I. Introduction: Overview of the Law of Forensic Psychiatry
The law of forensic psychiatry deals with the criminal justice system's response to criminal conduct caused by mental disorder. In 1992, Canada wholly rewrote its forensic psychiatry law. Parliament enacted a new Part XX.1 of the Criminal Code of Canada, titled "Mental Disorder", which provides a detailed code governing the forensic psychiatric system.
The principal reform accomplished by Part XX.1 was the creation of a system of forensic Review Boards in each province. The Boards assumed the role previously played by provincial Cabinets in determining the custodial status of forensic patients. Part XX.1 ...