Insanity and automatism Flashcards
Where do the rules for insanity come from?
M’Naughten
When was the case of M’Naughten?
1843
What is the definition of insanity?
- A defect of reason
- Which is a result of a disease of the mind
- Which causes D not to know the nature and quality of his act or not know he was doing wrong
What kind of defence is insanity?
A complete defence
What was the only sentencing option before 1991?
Sending D to a mental hospital
What are the current sentences a judge can impose
A hospital order
A supervision order
An absolute discharge
What does defect of reason mean?
D’s powers of reasoning must be impaired
What is not a defect of reason?
Where D is capable of reason but has failed to use these Powers
Give the facts of Clarke
D stole items from a supermarket but claimed to have no recollection of doing so
Give the ratio of Clarke?
Confusion or absent mindedness is not sufficient for defect of reason
Define a disease of the mind
A mental disease or a physical disease which affects the mind
Give the facts of Kemp
D had hardening of the arteries which caused temporary loss of consciousness during which he attacked his wife brutally
Give the decision in Kemp
Not guilty by reason of insanity
Give the ratio of Kemp
Physical diseases which affect the mind are sufficient for insanity
Give the facts of Sullivan
D was an epileptic known to be violent during fits, he injured a man
Give the ratio of Sullivan
The impairment does not need to be permanent providing it existed at the time of the offence
Give two Ao2 criticisms of the term “disease of the mind”
Its a legal definition not a medical one
It bears no link to psychological evidence
Give the facts of Burgess
D attacked his girlfriend in his sleep
Give the decision in Burgess
Not guilty by reason of insanity
Give the ratio of Burgess
Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder and is therefore a disease of the mind
Give the facts of Lowe
D murdered his father and cleaned it up all while sleepwalking
Give the decision in Lowe
Not guilty by reason of insanity
Give the ratio of Lowe
Sleepwalking is a disease of the mind
Give the facts of Thomas
D suffered from night terrors and murdered his wife during one
Give the decision in Thomas
The jury found him not guilty but there were grounds for insanity
Give the ratio of Thomas
Sleep disorders are diseases of the mind