“A mad man is punished by his madness alone” – A Defence of Insanity
Abstract
The article studies some of the glaring differences between the medical and legal understanding of the term Insanity. With this understanding of insanity, the article traces the roots of insanity defense and discusses the much famous Mc Naughten Rule recognized world over as the mother of insanity laws in modern times. Subsequently, the article takes up the comparative study of penal laws across the major countries concerning the defence of insanity. Further the Indian position regarding insanity defence is analyzed in the light of Indian Penal Code along with case studies. Finally the article concludes with an assertion that Indian penal law relating to insanity defence needs no revisit.
Suggested Citation
G.V Mahesh Nath. "“A mad man is punished by his madness alone” – A Defence of Insanity" Icfai Edited Book on Insanity (2009).
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/gv_nath/2
Download