Article
French
ID: <
10670/1.y5iulc>
Abstract
Should article 122-1 of the French penal code be amended to enact penal irresponsibility for mentally ill criminals? The working group created by the Ministry of Justice replied negatively to this question, fearing an excessive penalization of "criminal insanity". On the other hand, it did recommend certain procedural improvements, such as bringing expert assessments up to date during hearings called to rule on criminal irresponsibility. It also advocated for the strengthening of security measures upon discharge from any compulsory hospitalization that may be ordered by the court. Lastly, it called for a deep reform of the psychiatric expert assessment process.