If the Twinkie Causes Fits, You Must Acquit

Ally McBeal writers alert! Reality is stealing your material. Last week a Miami teen claimed an Internet addiction rendered him unaware of the consequences of a threatening e-mail he sent to a Columbine High student. Will it wash in court? It’s unlikely, but not unprecedented.

Twinkie Defense, 1977 –Dan White, a San Francisco supervisor, claimed sugary foods–such as Hostess Twinkies–put him into a heightened emotional state when he killed Mayor George Moscone and fellow Supervisor Harvey Milk. Verdict: guilty, but on the reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter. Rioting ensues.

Prozac Defense I, 1991 –Kathy Willets said Prozac caused the nymphomania that made her prostitute herself. Sentence: 400 hours of community service after she pleaded guilty.

Prozac Defense II, 1996 –Edward J. Leary claimed that a cocktail of Prozac and other drugs drove him mad and made him firebomb two subway trains. Verdict: guilty. Sentence: 94 years in prison.

Sleepwalking Defense, 1999 –Scott Falater admitted stabbing his wife 44 times before drowning her in their swimming pool but said he was sleepwalking. Verdict: guilty. Sentence: life in prison.