M’Naughten rules on insanity
A term from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP), reproduced under the Open Government Licence with a link back to the authoritative source.
Definition
A test for criminal insanity stating that at the time of the act, the accused was suffering from a defect of reason due to a disease of the mind, and thus did not know the nature and quality of the act, or that it was wrong.
This definition is drawn from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice. For the full operational guidance and current wording, read it at source.
Related terms
Home Office circular 66/90
A guideline requiring officers to consider diversion for mentally disordered offenders before charging.
Mental Health Act 1983
Legislation that governs the admission of individuals to hospital against their will, their rights while detained, and their aftercare.
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999
A law that allows for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses to receive support during the criminal justice process.
Definition reproduced from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice under the Open Government Licence v3.0. See the source link above for the authoritative, current wording.