Insanity

Question 1

definition

Answer 1

defect of reason caused by a disease of the mind so not to know the nature and quality of his act or know it was wrong (McNaughton)

Question 2

defect of reason

Answer 2

must be a total defect of reason and more than mere absentmindedness
(Clarke)

Question 3

disease of the mind

Answer 3

insanity in law is not the same as medical insanity, as long as it effects the mind it can be considered insanity (Sullivan)
1) Hennessey - Internal factor
2) Quick - external factor

Question 4

so not to know the nature and quality of his act or know it was wrong

Answer 4

two ways to do this:
1) unconsciousness or a state of impaired consciousness
2) medical condition meaning you don’t
defendant may know the nature and quality but not know it was wrong and by wrong we mean legally wrong (Windle)