Ep.52 - John Crichton - Forensic Psychiatry From Plato to the Modern ‘Insanity’ Defence

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Casenotes: A History of Medicine Podcast

Science


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 considers the origins of Scotland’s ‘insanity’ law and what ancient themes are still relevant today. Speaker: John Crichton, Chair of RCPsych in Scotland