Maryland Insanity — Form of Verdict is a legal concept used in the state of Maryland to determine a defendant's mental state at the time of committing a crime. This form of verdict is based on the principle that individuals suffering from severe mental disorders may not possess the mental capacity required to understand the nature and consequences of their actions, thus influencing their criminal responsibility. One type of Maryland Insanity — Form of Verdict is the "Maryland Insanity Defense." Under this defense, the defendant argues that they should not be held criminally responsible for their actions due to their mental state at the time of the offense. To establish this defense, the defendant must prove that they suffered from a mental disorder that rendered them legally insane, making it impossible for them to form the requisite intent necessary for the crime committed. In Maryland, another relevant type is the "Maryland Guilty but Mentally Ill (GBM) Verdict." This verdict acknowledges the defendant's mental illness but still holds them accountable for their actions. Unlike the insanity defense, the GBM verdict allows the defendant to be sentenced to a mental health facility rather than a traditional correctional facility. This verdict serves to ensure that individuals with mental illnesses receive appropriate treatment while also being held responsible for their criminal behavior. To be successful with the Maryland Insanity Defense, the defendant must demonstrate the following key elements: 1) a diagnosed mental disorder at the time of the offense, 2) the mental disorder impaired their ability to appreciate the wrongfulness of their actions, 3) the mental disorder prevented the formation of specific intent needed to commit the crime, and 4) a mental health expert's testimony affirming the defendant's mental state. It is important to note that if the defense is successful in proving insanity, the defendant will not be acquitted but rather committed to a mental health facility under the jurisdiction of the state's Department of Health. The length of this commitment is determined by periodic evaluations of the defendant's mental state. Maryland's Insanity — Form of Verdict aims to strike a balance between the need for punishment and rehabilitation for individuals suffering from mental illnesses. It recognizes the importance of treating individuals with mental disorders while ensuring public safety and holding them accountable for their actions within the constraints of their mental state.