Ch 8.2

Question 1

What is automatism?

Answer 1

Unconscious, involuntary behaviour

Individuals are not aware of what they are doing during automatism.

Question 2

What was the outcome of R. v. Parks (1992)?

Answer 2

Acquitted due to sleepwalking

This case highlights the defense of automatism in court.

Question 3

What are potential defenses recognized by Canadian courts for noninsane automatism?

Answer 3

• A physical blow (e.g., blow to the head)
• Physical ailments (e.g., stroke)
• Hypoglycemia (e.g., low blood sugar)
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Sleepwalking
• Involuntary intoxication

These conditions may lead to a not guilty verdict due to lack of control.

Question 4

What is the difference between NCRMD and automatism?

Answer 4

NCRMD verdict may result in defendant being sent to mental health facility; noninsane automatism results in a not guilty verdict.

Insane automatism leads to an NCRMD verdict.

Question 5

What was the significance of Bill-C-72 passed in 1995?

Answer 5

Self-induced intoxication not recognized as a defense

This change impacted how voluntary intoxication is treated in court.

Question 6

Do defendants with mental disorders have higher rates of arrest compared to the general population?

Answer 6

Yes

Individuals with mental illness are likely to be arrested more often.

Question 7

What are some types of mental disorders prevalent in the prison population?

Answer 7

• Schizophrenia
• Substance abuse disorders

Studies indicate a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders among inmates.

Question 8

What are the two options police have when dealing with mentally ill offenders?

Answer 8

• Mental health system
• Criminal justice system

These options influence how offenders are treated post-arrest.

Question 9

What are the two ways mentally ill offenders can receive conditional release?

Answer 9

• Parole
• Mandatory supervision

These releases can involve specific conditions for the offender.

Question 10

Are people with mental disorders more violent?

Answer 10

Some links exist, but a mental disorder diagnosis is not predictive of recidivism

Prior violence and substance abuse are stronger predictors of future violence.

Question 11

What are the treatment goals for mentally ill offenders?

Answer 11

• Symptom reduction
• Decreased length of stay in the facility
• Less likelihood of re-admittance to hospital
• Reduce the risk of recidivism

The overarching goal is reintegration into society.

Question 12

What are key treatment options for psychotic symptoms?

Answer 12

• Antipsychotic drugs
• Behaviour therapy

These treatments are essential in managing psychotic disorders.

Question 13

What are the four main goals of Mental Health Courts?

Answer 13

• Divert accused charged with minor to moderately serious offences
• Facilitate a defendant’s fitness to stand trial evaluation
• Ensure treatment for a defendant’s mental disorders
• Decrease likelihood of repeat offences

Mental Health Courts aim to rehabilitate rather than punish.