Mental Health and Criminal Responsibility
A Critical Analysis of the Insanity Defense
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58341/srj.v3i2.81Abstract
The main aim of this study is to explain the insanity defense concerning the commission of an offense, including the McNaughton Rules, and to identify gaps and outline the legislation provided under Section 84 of the Pakistan Penal Code and legislation regarding mentally ill offenders. Here, we briefly discuss these provisions and the rule or test to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding. Section 84 of the PPC, under the heading "Actions of an individual with mental incapacity," specifies that an individual who, due to unsoundness of mind, is unable to comprehend the nature of their actions or recognize that they are acting in a manner that is either immoral or illegal, shall not be held liable for any offense committed during that time. This provision is based on the McNaughton Rule. The article highlights that Section 84 of the PPC and the aforementioned test are not sufficient to cover all cases of the insanity defense; they only cover mental disorders in which cognitive faculties are impaired at the time of the offense. The definition of insanity or mental illness is not comprehensive as it does not include various psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, schizotypal, delusional, and other non-mood psychotic disorders as classified under the International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD-10) by the World Health Organization. Furthermore, the research suggests lacunas by not defining the criminal responsibility of mentally ill individuals in federal and provincial health law.
Keywords:
Insanity, unsound mind, Criminal Responsibility, McNaughton rules, Mental Health
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