18Effect of findings

18 Effect of findings S. 18(1) amended by No. 68/2009 s. 97(Sch. item 39.14). (1) If a jury makes a finding under section 17(1)(a), the person is to be taken for all purposes to have been found not guilty at a criminal trial. (2) A finding under section 17(1)(b) is to be taken for all purposes to be a finding at a criminal trial of not guilty because of mental impairment. Note to s. 18(2) inserted by No. 7/2009 s. 425(c) (as amended by No. 68/2009 s. 54(k)). Section 24AA provides for appeals against a verdict of not guilty because of mental impairment. (3) A finding under section 17(1)(c)— (a) constitutes a qualified finding of guilt and does not constitute a basis in law for any conviction for the offence to which the finding relates; and (b) constitutes a bar to further prosecution in respect of the same circumstances; and S. 18(3)(c) amended by No. 68/2009 s. 97(Sch. item 39.14). (c) is subject to appeal in the same manner as if the person had been convicted of the offence in a criminal trial. (4) If a jury makes a finding under section 17(1)(c)[[1]](#endnote-1), the judge must— S. 18(4)(a) amended by No. 68/2009 s. 97(Sch. item 39.14). (a) declare that the person is liable to supervision under Part 5; or S. 18(4)(b) amended by No. 68/2009 s. 97(Sch. item 39.14). (b) order the person to be released unconditionally[[2]](#endnote-2).