NCJ Number
11347
Date Published
1968
Length
311 pages
Annotation
TRADITIONAL LEGAL PROBLEMS OF CULPABILITY OF THE OFFENDER, HIS FITNESS FOR TRIAL, AND THE NEED FOR CLEMENCY, FROM PRE-NORMAN THROUGH MODERN TIMES.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR FOCUSES PRIMARILY ON INSANITY AS A DEFENSE TO CRIMINAL CHARGES AND EXPLAINS IN DETAIL THE BACKGROUND AND OPERATION OF THE M'NAGHTEN RULES. THE SCOTTISH ORIGINS AND ENGLISH ADOPTION OF THE DEFENSE OF DIMINISHED RESPONSIBILITY ARE EXAMINED. AUTOMATISM (SLEEPWALKING), DRUNKENNESS, INFANTICIDE, THE USE OF THE ROYAL PREROGATIVE OF MERCY, AND INSANITY AS AN OBSTACLE TO TRIAL ARE ALSO CONSIDERED. FOR VOLUME TWO OF THIS WORK, SEE NCJ 11348.