Factsheet: Mental illness and the Criminal law
This explains the two main ways in which mental illness becomes an issue in criminal trials. Using case examples, it details when an accused is deemed unfit to stand trial due to mental illness. It also examines the defence of mental impairment, when an accused may argue they cannot be held criminally responsible for their behaviour due to their mental state at the time of offending.
Related resources
Webinars, workshops, forums and public events to support engagement with the justice system.
Explore the justice system
Understand which laws apply in Victoria and who’s who in the legal sector.