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Unfitness to Plead Consultation Responses - Law Commission ...

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Question 4:<br />

If consultees do not agree that option 5 is the best option for reform, would they<br />

agree with any other option?<br />

This question follows on from the proposals in Question 3. “Option 5”<br />

proposals are outlined in paragraphs 6.128 <strong>to</strong> 6.153.<br />

Response<br />

We unders<strong>to</strong>od that option 5 introduces three outcomes:<br />

(1) a finding that the accused has done the act or made the omission AND that there<br />

are no grounds for acquitting him or her<br />

(2) an outright acquittal<br />

(3) an acquittal which is qualified by reason of mental disorder (akin <strong>to</strong> special verdict<br />

and more compliant with right <strong>to</strong> a fair trial in ECHR).<br />

It was felt that this seemed reasonable but is primarily a legal question and outside the<br />

expertise of psychiatrists.<br />

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