Forensic Psychiatry: From Plato to the Modern ‘Insanity’ Defence

Speaker: John Crichton, Chair of RCPsych in Scotland

In Scotland’s enlightenment a bride stabs her husband on their wedding night; a nobleman kills his brother; a veteran kills his devoted wife – who then pleads mercy for him on her deathbed. Over centuries the law has recognised that those with mental disorders may not be held accountable for their actions – but even if acquitted they may not necessarily go free. This talk will consider the origins of Scotland’s ‘insanity’ law and what ancient themes are still relevant today.