Update on the disposition of military insanity acquittees.
There has been little study of the use of the insanity defense within the military judicial system, and aggregated data concerning such cases are not readily available when needed. Useful information is not consolidated in a central location, hindering potential research and the development of systemic improvements. One key area that would benefit from closer analysis is the process of the disposition of insanity acquittees. The Manual for Courts-Martial (2000 ed. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office) provides limited guidance in procedures to disposition, outlining the process in rather broad terms. The result is often a time-consuming and resource-draining process that can create significant burdens for both the military legal and health care systems. The need to address challenges within the system is discussed, and the creation of a centralized databank as a step toward improving this system is recommended.