Article 12 Flashcards
Define exempting circumstances(non-imputability)
Those grounds for exemption from punishment because there is wanting in the agent of the crime any of the conditions which make the act voluntary or negligent
Basis for exempting circumstances (3)
It is based on the COMPLETE ABSENCE of the following:
1. Intelligence
2. Freedom of action
3. Intent or negligence
on the part of the accused
Circumstances which exempt from criminal liability under Art. 12 of the RPC, as amended by R.A. 9344 (7)
- An imbecile or an insane person, unless the latter has acted during a lucid interval
- A person 15 years of age and under
- A person over 15 years of age and under 18, unless he has acted with discernment
- Any person who, while performing a lawful act with due care, causes an injury by mere accident without fault or intention of causing it
- Any person who acts under the compulsion of an irresistible force
- Any person who acts under the impulse of an uncontrollable fear of an equal or greater injury
- Any person who fails to perform an act required by law, when prevented by some lawful or insuperable cause
In exempting circumstances, is there a crime commited?
Yes however, no criminal liability arises
Who has the burden of proof for claiming an exempting circumstance?
Burden of proof is on the defendant to the satisfaction of the court
Distinguish imbecility from insanity
Imbecile is exempt in all cases from criminal liability, however the insane is not so exempt if it can be shown that he acted during a lucid interval. This is because during lucid interval, the insane acts with intelligence
Define an imbecile
An imbecile is one who, while advanced in age, has a mental development comparable to that of children between two and seven years of age. Under Art. 12, it is one who is deprived completely of reason or discernment and freedom of the will at the time of committing the crime
Requisites to constitute insanity (2)
- Complete deprivation of intelligence
- Total deprivation of the freedom of the will
Is mere abnormality of mental faculties enough to constitute insanity?
No. Especially if the offender has not lost consciousness of his acts. At most it is a mitigating circumstance
Does the Court have power to permit the insane person to leave the asylum?
No. The Court must obtain the opinion of the Director of Health that he may be released without danger
Presumption in burden of proof to show insanity
Presumption is always in favor of sanity and the burden of proof of insanity is on the defense
How much evidence is necessary to overthrow the presumption of sanity?
Clear and convincing evidence will suffice
Distinguish insanity at the time of the commission of the felony from insanity at the time of the trial
If insane at the time of the commission of the felony, exempted from criminal liability
If insane only at the time of the trial, still liable criminally. However, trial is suspended until mental capacity is restored
Up to which point is evidence of insanity acceptable?
The evidence of insanity must refer to the time preceding the act or up to the very moment of its execution
Presumption when an insane commited a felony
Presumed to be sane at the time of commitment of the felony
If the insanity is only occasional or intermittent in its nature, is it presumed to continue all throughout?
No. Presumption of its continuance does not arise. Where it is shown that the defendant had lucid intervals, it is presumed that the offense was committed in one of them. But a person who has been adjudged insane, or who has been committed to a hospital or to an asylum for the insane, is presumed to continue to be insane
Current name for dementia praecox
Schizophrenia
Define schizophrenia or dementia praecox
Most common form of psychosis. A chronic mental disorder characterized by inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality and often accompanied by hallucinations and delusions
In the case of Kleptomania, when is it considered to be under “insanity”?
When the accused has been deprived or has lost the power of his will and/or lost consciousness of his acts due to Kleptomania. However, if it only diminishes the exercise of his willpower, it is only a mitigating circumstance
Define epilepsy
A chronic nervous disease characterized by fits, occurring at intervals, attended by convulsive motions of the muscles and loss of consciousness.
Can epilepsy be covered by the term “insanity”?
Yes when it is shown that the accused was under the influence of an epileptic fit when he committed the offense. However, if he was in a lucid interval, then he is not exempt from criminal liability
Is feeblemindedness an exempting circumstance?
No. Because the offender could distinguish right from wrong as compared to an imbecile who cannot
Is “crazy” synonymous with “insane”?
No
English for non compos mentis
of unsound mind
Is pedophilia insanity?
No
Is amnesia a defense to a criminal charge?
No. Failure to remember is in itself no proof of the mental condition of the accused when the crime was performed
Is somnambulism or sleepwalking a valid defense for a criminal charge?
Yes. If it is clearly proven, then the accused is not liable
Is malignant malaria a valid defense for a criminal charge?
Yes. Because it affects the nervous system and causes among others such as acute melancholia and insanity at times