h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

just a note re the posting on insanity law. first of all, m'naughton was not found NGRI as there was no plea/legal precedent back then with such a decision.
more importantly, what is considered a mental disease or defect is quite specific. a documented diagnosis of mental retardation or a disorder of thought and/or perception are consdered to be mental defects or diseases. going on that logic, depression or non-psychotic disorders would not meet the threshold of a mental disease.

Of course the psychotic dimension reveals the severe intensity, thereby her/his failure in judgment results the alleged criminal act. The non psychotic and depressive disorders are mental disorders with respect to this rule also. but the lesser degree depression and non psychotic illness if combined with other emotional factors which disturb the mind
So as to impair the judgment, of the individual can also be pardoned under this rule.

Editorial Note: This conversation has been moved from 'Thanks for Registering with h2g2 - Welcome!' to 'Insanity and The Law'.