Outline two social psychological theories of aggression.

The first 200 words of this essay...

"Despite some procedural reforms, the law relating to the defence of insanity remains in an unsatisfactory state."

Critically consider the accuracy of this statement. [50]

The definition of the insanity as a defence comes from the M'Naghten rules (1843). To establish a defence on the ground of insanity it must be clearly proved that at the time of committing the act, the accused was "labouring under such a defect of reason, from disease of the mind as not to know the nature and quality of the act he was doing; or if he did know it, that he did not know he was doing what was wrong." If a defendant is successful in his plea of insanity then he is found "not guilty by reason of insanity". The defence of insanity is established on the balance of probability.

Before 1991 when the special verdict was returned a defendant was automatically and indefinitely committed to mental hospital. However the law was modified by the Criminal Procedure (Insanity and Unfitness to Plead) Act 1991 allowing a judge more discretion when returning a special verdict. This has more recently been updated following the enactment of the Domestic Violence, Crime and