McDowell proposes changes to insanity laws

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has published proposals for legislation aimed at changing the criminal law on insanity.

Existing legislation in this area dates back to the 19th century. The new bill outlines when defendants can be declared fit to plead, the legal definition of criminal insanity and a verdict of "not guilty by reason of insanity" to replace the present "guilty but insane" verdict.