Psychology 3313 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Arson, Psychopathology, Blood Sugar
8 Feb 2018
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It is used by a large number of defendants. Usually both prosecution and defence agree to such a verdict. It is not common to have opposing experts testify. Those acquitted with this defense are usually released into community. They go to get help and if the crime is serious then they never get out (dangerous offenders) Most people are involved in minor crimes, not murders property crimes, arson shoplifting. They typically commit small crimes like disturbing the peace or public urination and end up in jail because mental health facilities are full. Criminal responsibility is a legal concept - not a psychological one. A person can be mentally ill but not fulfil the criteria. Need to determine if the mental illness prevented them from knowing what they were doing is wrong, if they had awareness of their actions, were they in control of themselves, etc Retrospective assessment of the person"s psychological state at the time of the offence.
