State v. Strasburg, 110 P. 1020 (Wash. 1910), was a case decided by the Washington Supreme Court that held that a statute eliminating the insanity defense was unconstitutional. The court likened the exclusion of evidence of insanity to a denial of trial by jury.[1]

Martin Strasburg, described as "an unknown and penniless stranger", was convicted of assault after shooting Otto Peeck in a saloon in Seattle. Lawyers saw the Strasburg case as an opportunity to have the Washington law that forbade insanity defenses declared unconstitutional.[2] The effect of the Supreme Court declaring the law unconstitutional was said to be expected to reverse the convictions of "scores" of people.[3]

References

  1. ^ Bonnie, R.J. et al. Criminal Law, Second Edition. Foundation Press, New York: 2004, p. 623
  2. ^ "May Knock Out Insanity Law". Tacoma Times. Vol. 7, no. 141. UPI. June 2, 1910. p. 8. Retrieved 8 January 2016 – via Newspapers.com. open access
  3. ^ "Holds Insanity May Be Defense in Criminal Case". Oregon Daily Journal. Vol. 9, no. 163. UPI. September 12, 1910. p. 1. Retrieved 8 January 2016 – via Newspapers.com. open access

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