PSYC 3020 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Actus Reus, Insanity Defense, Mens Rea
12 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
Unit 8: the role of mental illness in court. Two elements that must be present for criminal guilt to be established. Both must be found beyond a reasonable doubt for a guilt verdict. In order to be tried fairly an individual must have some understanding of the charges and proceedings and be able to help in preparing for their defence. Unfit to stand trial = inability to conduct a defence at any stage of the proceedings on account of a person"s mental disorder. According to the law individuals are held responsible for their behaviours and are considered capable of exercising control over their actions. The question arises if the individual is criminally responsible for an act such as murder. Actus reus: a wrongful deed must have been done. Mes rea: criminal intent at the time of act. Issues of fitness to stand trial, insanity, automatism and mental disorders all depend on considerations of actus reus and mens rea.
