The new verdict, which is known as 'act proven but not criminally responsible', will provide solace to the families of victims where the offender was found to be mentally ill, according to the NSW Government.
The NSW Government wants to change the verdict in court cases where the defendant is found to be mentally ill, saying victims of crime have been calling for the change.The NSW Government said the new verdict will acknowledge victims and their familiesA bill has been introduced to Parliament which would replace 'not guilty by reason of mental illness' with a verdict to be known as 'act proven but not criminally responsible'.
"If someone is so mentally or cognitively impaired they don't understand what they've done or the morality of what they've done, then there are no criminal consequences," NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said. "This is about making sure the criminal justice system respects the trauma and the pain of victims and their family members, recognises that the act has been done notwithstanding that the accused is not criminally responsible," said Mr Speakman.The NSW Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor said victims and survivors of crime have been calling for the change.
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