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Criminal Defences

Insanity and the M'Naghten Rules

  • 4 things to know
  • Paper 1

Overview

Recall questions on the verdict that follows, the case the rules derive from and the elements that must be proved.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Key term

What type of verdict results from a successful insanity defence?

Key term

What is the first element that must be proved under the M'Naghten Rules?

Key term

Under the M'Naghten Rules, what alternative cognitive failures can satisfy the test?

Process

Which case supplies the rules on insanity, and what must the defect of reason arise from?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What type of verdict results from a successful insanity defence?

    Model answer

    A special verdict of 'not guilty by reason of insanity' rather than a complete acquittal.

  2. 2

    From which case do the legal rules for establishing insanity derive?

    Model answer

    The M'Naghten Rules (1843).

  3. 3

    What is the first element that must be proved under the M'Naghten Rules?

    Model answer

    A defect of reason.

  4. 4

    What must cause the defect of reason under the M'Naghten Rules?

    Model answer

    A disease of the mind.

  5. 5

    Under the M'Naghten Rules, what alternative cognitive failures can satisfy the test?

    Model answer

    The defendant either did not know the nature and quality of their act, or did not know the act was wrong.

  6. 6

    How did R v Clarke distinguish a defect of reason from a mere failure to use one's reasoning powers?

    Model answer

    A defect of reason requires the defendant's powers of reasoning to be impaired, not simply a failure to use those powers at the relevant time.

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