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Unfitness to Plead Consultation Responses - Law Commission ...

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Summary<br />

In terms of the proposed capacity test, the proposals go a substantial way <strong>to</strong>wards<br />

remedying the problems connected <strong>to</strong> the current law on unfitness <strong>to</strong> plead. With the<br />

caveat that the legal test should contain a reference <strong>to</strong> temporary or permanent<br />

physical or mental illness, and that there should be caution in creating an over-<br />

dependence on the psychiatric test, the proposed reforms deserve support. Most<br />

importantly, the paranoid schizophrenic who is hindered by his own psychosis from<br />

presenting and challenging evidence will be recognised as lacking the decision<br />

making capacity <strong>to</strong> stand trial. In the writer’s opinion, such a test is a positive step<br />

<strong>to</strong>wards the protection of vulnerable adults.<br />

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