Opinion ID: 1646945
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Burden of Proof of Insanity

Text: Defendant contends that requiring the defense to prove insanity at the time of offense by a preponderance of the evidence constitutes a denial of due process. Defendant also argues that the application of two different burdens of proof (the state must prove the essential elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt and the defense must prove insanity at the time of the offense by a preponderance of the evidence) when insanity is pleaded as a defense, is confusing to the jury. Alternatively, defendant argues that presentation of some evidence of insanity should shift to the state the burden of proceeding with rebuttal proof beyond a reasonable doubt. See United States v. Brawner, 471 F.2d 969 (D.C.Cir.1972). Insanity is an exculpatory fact which constitutes an affirmative defense. La.C.Cr.P. Art. 652. Due process does not prohibit placing the burden of proving an exculpatory fact on defendant. Leland v. Oregon, 343 U.S. 790, 72 S.Ct. 1002, 96 L.Ed. 1302 (1952). The prosecution's burden is to prove every essential element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. In relying on the defense of insanity, the defendant does not challenge the existence of any essential element of the crime, and requiring the defendant to prove insanity does not shift the burden to disprove an essential element. [6] Moreover, the United States Supreme Court recently declined to adopt on a constitutional basis a requirement that the prosecution must disprove facts constituting an affirmative defense. Patterson v. New York, 432 U.S. 197, 97 S.Ct. 2319, 53 L.Ed.2d 281 (1977). See also Rivera v. Delaware, 429 U.S. 877, 97 S.Ct. 226, 50 L.Ed.2d 160 (1976); State v. Roy, 395 So.2d 664 (La. 1981); State v. Lee, 395 So.2d 700 (La.1981).