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Criminal Law: Capacity Defences

The special verdict and disposal after insanity

  • 3 things to know
  • Components 2 and 3

Overview

Three disposals available after a special verdict, restriction order and unfitness to plead.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What verdict follows a successful plea of insanity?

Numbers

Which statute provides for the special verdict?

Numbers

Name the three disposals available after a special verdict.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What verdict follows a successful plea of insanity?

    Model answer

    A successful plea produces the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The verdict is a form of acquittal rather than a conviction.

  2. 2

    Which statute provides for the special verdict?

    Model answer

    Section 2 of the Trial of Lunatics Act 1883 provides for the special verdict. Later statutes have altered the disposals available after that verdict.

  3. 3

    Name the three disposals available after a special verdict.

    Model answer

    The court may make a hospital order, a supervision order or an order for absolute discharge. Section 5 of the Criminal Procedure (Insanity) Act 1964 sets out the options.

  4. 4

    Which statute widened the disposals available after a finding of insanity?

    Model answer

    The Criminal Procedure (Insanity and Unfitness to Plead) Act 1991 gave courts a range of disposals in place of automatic committal. The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 amended the provisions further.

  5. 5

    What disposal must be made where the charge was murder?

    Model answer

    A hospital order with a restriction order must be made where the offence charged was murder. The judge has no discretion in that case.

  6. 6

    What is a restriction order?

    Model answer

    A restriction order prevents discharge from hospital without the consent of the Secretary of State. The order may be made without limit of time.

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