MENTAL DISORDER AND CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY
LAW3MDC
Not currently offered
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
People with cognitive and/or mental health impairments are overrepresented at all stages of the criminal justice system. For this reason, mental health literacy is essential for anyone considering a career in criminal justice. In this course, students will develop an understanding of the types of mental disorders and cognitive impairments most commonly experienced by defendants. Students will develop an understanding of current law in Victoria as well as in other Australian jurisdictions, and proposals for reform. The subject builds upon Principles of Criminal Law and explores laws and procedures relating to fitness to stand trial, the defence of mental impairment, as well as automatism, diminished responsibly and infanticide. A selection of other mental state defences will also be explored as we consider the relevance of states of mind such as fear, rage and intoxication to criminal responsibility. Defences covered may include provocation, self-defence, duress and marital coercion. Principles of sentencing relevant to assessing the criminal culpability of cognitively impaired and mentally disordered offenders will also be considered.
SchoolLa Trobe Law School
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorSuzanne O'Toole
Available to Study Abroad/Exchange StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Available as ElectiveYes
Learning ActivitiesExamination and Class participation activities - role plays, group discussions, active fact based problem solving, discussion of press reports
Capstone subjectNo
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesLAW1CRL AND LAW1LIM
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Quota Management StrategyN/A
Quota-conditions or rulesN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Minimum credit point requirementN/A
Assumed knowledgeN/A
Career Ready
Career-focusedNo
Work-based learningNo
Self sourced or Uni sourcedN/A
Entire subject or partial subjectN/A
Total hours/days requiredN/A
Location of WBL activity (region)N/A
WBL addtional requirementsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
Graduate Capabilities
Intended Learning Outcomes
Subject options
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