Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020
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Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020
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Turn the raw legal text into a practical explanation grounded in Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020.
31 Special verdict where defendant and prosecutor agree on impairment
The court may enter a special verdict of act proven but not criminally responsible at any time in the proceedings (including before the jury is empanelled) if—
(a) the defendant and the prosecutor agree that the proposed evidence in the proceedings establishes a defence of mental health impairment or cognitive impairment, and
(b) the defendant is represented by an Australian legal practitioner, and
(c) the court, after considering that evidence, is satisfied that the defence is so established.