Not So Common Law -Insanity Defence

Should “insanity” be a defence to criminal acts?

On April 23, 2018 a rented van was driven along Yonge Street in Toronto targeting pedestrians, killing 10 and injuring 16.  Alek Minassian is currently standing trial for this crime.  Although he has admitted to planning and carrying out the Toronto van attack, his defence is that he is not criminally responsible for his actions because he suffers from Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This case raises a profoundly difficult legal issue.  When should a person escape criminal liability because of mental illness, mental disability or “insanity”?

Please join us for the  next “Not So Common Law” with Jim Conway on Monday, January 25 at 1 pm.

Each session will require a new registration.

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