A 26-year-old man is charged with assault. At present he converses rationally with his counsel, understands the charges, and can follow court proceedings. However, records show that at the time of the offence he believed the victim was a demon sent to kill him. Which statement is CORRECT regarding his legal position?
- A He is unfit to stand trial because his delusion influenced the offence
- B He must first be acquitted on grounds of insanity before the question of trial arises
- C Fitness to stand trial concerns his current ability to understand proceedings, while criminal responsibility depends on his mental state at the time of the offence ✓
- D He cannot be tried unless two psychiatrists certify that his illness has fully remitted
Correct answer: C. Fitness to stand trial concerns his current ability to understand proceedings, while criminal responsibility depends on his mental state at the time of the offence
Explanation
Two separate questions are involved. Fitness to plead is judged at the time of trial and asks whether the accused can understand the proceedings, instruct counsel, and participate in his defence, which this man clearly can. The defence of unsoundness of mind is judged retrospectively, at the moment of the act, using the McNaughten standard. Distractor A confuses these timelines, a common error that this item tests directly.
Reference: A Short Textbook of Psychiatry, Niraj Ahuja, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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