Insanity, Insanity Defense, and the Elements of Crime: A Review

Authors

  • Ali Ajmal LL.M. University Law College, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
  • Faiza Rasool Research Scholar, Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
  • Farooq Umair Niazi Assistant Professor, University Law College, University of Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47205/plhr.2023(7-III)46

Keywords:

Insanity, Insanity Defense, Automatism, Mens rea, Actus reus

Abstract

Insanity, insanity defense, and the elements of crimes are closely related to each other. An insane person cannot be punished for the crimes committed by him. However, insanity is a concept that has different connotations across academic disciplines. The law is interested in the legal insanity of an accused. Actus reus and mens rea, in most cases, are the essential components of a crime. The defense of insanity, which is an excuse defense against criminal liability is more relevant to the mens rea. Whereas the defense of automatism is more concerned with the actus reus. This paper analyzes the concepts of insanity and insanity defense in the context of elements of crime employing doctrinal legal analysis. The findings of this paper suggest that there is a need to interpret the concepts of insanity, insanity defense, and the elements of crimes, and the relationship among them when the accused is suffering from mental disorders by adopting multidisciplinary approaches.

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Published

2023-09-13

Details

    Abstract Views: 334
    PDF Downloads: 197

How to Cite

Ajmal, A., Rasool, F., & Niazi, F. U. (2023). Insanity, Insanity Defense, and the Elements of Crime: A Review. Pakistan Languages and Humanities Review, 7(3), 537–545. https://doi.org/10.47205/plhr.2023(7-III)46

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2023): July to September

Section

Articles

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