Expert testimony required for insanity, mental capacity defenses, NJ high court rules

In separate cases, the New Jersey Supreme Court finds jurors need experts' guidance on mental illnesses that could affect a jury decision.

By: Nikita Biryukov

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: August 3, 2026

Words: 628

Last Updated: 2 hours, 51 minutes ago

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New Jersey defendants must secure testimony from a doctor or other expert witness if they want to mount a defense claiming they committed crimes because they were insane or had diminished mental capacity, the state Supreme Court ruled in two separate cases Monday.

In the two unanimous rulings, the high court said juries should not have to rely on their own knowledge, or that of other lay people, when making momentous decisions that …

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