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Twinkie defense :: legal definition


Twinkie defense - n. a claim by a criminal defendant that at the time of the crime he/she was of diminished mental capacity due to intake of too much sugar, as from eating "Twinkies," sugar-rich snacks. The defense was argued successfully by a defense psychiatrist in the notorious case of former San Francisco County Supervisor Dan White, who shot and killed San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and County Supervisor Harvey Milk, resulting in White's conviction for only manslaughter instead of murder.

See also: diminished capacity and Related Law Terms ↓


Related Law Terms

diminished capacity :: n. essentially a psychological term which has foun ... See also: insanity M'Naughten rule
mitigating circumstances :: n. in criminal law, conditions or happenings which ... ity heat of passion Twinkie defense
temporary insanity :: n. in a criminal prosecution, a defense by the acc ... diminished capacity insanity intent

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