Psychology 2032A/B Study Guide - Final Guide: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, James Hadfield, Actus Reus

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2032A/B
• Professor: Katie McKeown

Document Summary

Presumptions in canada"s legal system: elements that must be present for criminal guilt: Mens rea: criminal intent: must be found beyond a reasonable doubt for a guilty verdict to be reached. Fit individuals charged with a crime are expected to understand the charges and proceedings, and help in preparing their defence. Unfit to stand trial: an inability to conduct a defence at any stage of the proceedings on account of a mental disorder: v. prichard (1836) Whether the defendant is mute of malice (i. e. , intentionality) Whether the defendant can plead to the indictment. Whether the defendant has sufficient cognitive capacity to understand proceedings. Unfit to stand trial if unable to: understand nature or object of proceedings, understand possible consequences of the proceedings, communicate with counsel. Fitness standard changes: r. v. taylor (1922) specified the best interest rule was too strict a criterion, five-day limit for fitness evaluations with provisions, if necessary.