Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Insanity Defense in the Philippines: Burden of Proof and Criminal Liability
The insanity defense in Philippine criminal law requires clear proof of mental illness at the time of the crime. This case explains the rules.
Inordinate Delay and Insanity Defense in Philippine Criminal Cases: Insights from People v. Ragudo
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Ragudo clarifies insanity defenses and qualifying circumstances in Philippine criminal cases.
Insanity Defense in Philippine Criminal Law: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity exempts an accused from criminal liability, applying a strict three-way test.
Insanity Defense in Philippine Law: When Mental Illness Excuses Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity exempts an accused from criminal liability under Article 12 of the Revised Penal Code.
Understanding Witness Reliability in Criminal Cases: Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how insanity defenses work in criminal cases and why witness credibility remains central to convictions.
Insanity Defense in Philippine Rape Cases: Key Insights from People v. Toledo
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity can exempt an accused from criminal liability in rape cases, and why the defense failed in this case.
Understanding the Insanity Defense: Key Insights from a Recent Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at how Philippine courts assess insanity as a defense, based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling that clarified the test for legal insanity.
Insanity Defense and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: The Bacolot Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense and treachery in homicide cases, explaining what must be proven for each.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Insanity Defense and Mental State at the Time of the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for insanity defense and mental state in criminal cases, using People v. Rupal as a guide.
Insanity Defense AND Criminal Liability Establishing THE Burden OF Proof
Insanity Defense Clear Proof Required For Exemption From Criminal Liability In The Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the insanity defense requires clear and convincing proof of cognitive impairment at the time of the crime.
Insanity Plea and Arson: When Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder, in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the limits of the insanity defense, the proof needed for murder, and when arson is a separate crime.
Defense of Insanity Requires Clear and Convincing Evidence in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict evidentiary standard for the insanity defense, requiring proof of complete deprivation of intelligence at the time of the crime.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape Conviction Upheld for Abuse of a Mentally Retarded Woman
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a man who sexually abused a mentally retarded woman, clarifying rules on witness credibility and insanity defenses.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Sanity Presumption in Murder Convictions
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on eyewitness identification, rejects insanity defense, and clarifies damages rules.
Accountability Despite Mental Disorder: When Insanity Defense Fails in Philippine Criminal Law
Explaining when mental illness does not exempt criminal liability, as ruled in People v. Garchitorena on the insanity defense.
Dying Declarations AS Evidence Establishing Guilt IN Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when dying declarations can establish guilt in murder cases, and the strict standards for insanity defenses in Philippine criminal law.
The Insanity Defense: Establishing the Boundaries of Criminal Responsibility in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense and treachery rules in a murder appeal, reducing conviction to homicide with precise legal standards.
Insanity Defense and Proper Penalty for Parricide: People v. Robiños
The Supreme Court explains when insanity excuses criminal liability and why parricide without aggravating circumstances merits reclusion perpetua, not death.
Insanity Plea in Philippine Law: Proving Mental Capacity at the Time of the Offense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense under Article 12(1) RPC, the burden of proof, and timing requirements for psychiatric examination.
Burden of Proof in Philippine Robbery With Homicide Cases: The Insanity Defense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for the insanity defense in robbery with homicide cases, requiring complete deprivation of reason.
Reasonable Doubt and Insanity Defense: When Inconsistent Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Philippine Murder Cas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies insanity defense and treachery in murder cases, reducing death penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Navigating the Insanity Defense in Philippine Law: Burden of Proof and Presumption of Sanity
The Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense in Philippine criminal law, emphasizing the presumption of sanity and the accused's burden to prove insanity beyond reasonable doubt.