Psychology 2990A/B Lecture Notes - George Iii Of The United Kingdom, Forensic Psychology, Actus Reus

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2990A/B
• Professor: Doug Hazlewood

Document Summary

Prior to 1836: ability to enter a plea. Reason for not entering plea: mute of malice (deliberately silent) If so, can use torture to extract a plea. Mute by visitation of god (eg: deaf, mute or insane) If so, person should not be tried. R vs. pritchard (836) : charged with bestiality. Also, a deaf-mute, so couldn"t - enter plea; couldn"t ne tried for the crime. He was deaf and retarded, so he didn"t go on trail. Court establishes clearer legal standard: able to enter a plea, and. Must have sufficient intellect to understand procedings. Canada"s fitness standard for next 156 years. Canada"s bill c-30 (1992): revision to section 2 of criminal code. Person is unfit to stand on trail if: Disorder interferes with ability to conduct a defence. Unable b/c of mental disorder to : understanding nature and object of proceedings, understand possible consequences, communicate with counsel.