OUJI-CR 8-33B

DEFENSE OF MENTAL ILLNESS - BURDEN OF PROOF

Every person is presumed to be of sound mind, and unless evidence is produced that the defendant is not guilty by reason of mental illness, the defense of mental illness does not apply. Therefore, unless you determine that sufficient evidence has been presented to raise a reasonable doubt that the defendant is not guilty by reason of mental illness, the State may rely on this presumption and not offer any proof that the defense of mental illness does not apply. However, if sufficient evidence has been presented to raise a reasonable doubt that the defendant is not guilty by reason of mental illness, the State has the burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was not acting under circumstances sufficient to constitute the defense of mental illness. If you find that the State has failed to sustain that burden, then the defendant must be found not guilty by reason of mental illness.

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Statutory Authority: 21 O.S. 2011, § 152(4); 22 O.S. 2011 & Supp. 2017, §§ 914, 1161.

Notes on Use

The explicit language of 22 O.S. Supp.2017, § 1161(A)(5) requires the defendant to raise the Defense of Mental Illness. Every person is presumed to be of sound mind and capable of committing crimes, thus, it is the defendant's burden to produce evidence establishing the defense of not guilty by reason of mental illness. See 21 O.S. 2011, § 152(4).

(2019 Supplement)