Daniel M'Naghten

Daniel M'Naghten

Daniel M'Naghten

Daniel M'Naghten (1813–1865) was a Scottish woodturner who became infamous for his involvement in a high-profile criminal case that had a significant impact on the legal concept of insanity. The case, known as the M'Naghten Rules, established the criteria for determining criminal responsibility in cases involving mental illness.

Early Life

Daniel M'Naghten was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1813. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he worked as a woodturner and lived a relatively unremarkable life until the events that led to his trial.

The Crime

In 1843, M'Naghten attempted to assassinate British Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. However, he mistakenly shot and killed Peel's private secretary, Edward Drummond, instead. M'Naghten was immediately apprehended and charged with murder.

The Trial

During the trial, M'Naghten's defense argued that he was insane at the time of the crime and therefore not responsible for his actions. The jury ultimately found him not guilty by reason of insanity. However, the trial sparked a public outcry and raised questions about the legal definition of insanity.

The M'Naghten Rules

As a result of the trial, the House of Lords requested guidance on the issue of insanity and criminal responsibility. In response, the judges formulated what became known as the M'Naghten Rules. These rules established the criteria for determining whether a person is legally insane and therefore not responsible for their actions.

According to the M'Naghten Rules, a person is considered insane if, at the time of the crime, they were suffering from a defect of reason caused by a disease of the mind. This defect of reason must have prevented them from understanding the nature and quality of their actions or from knowing that what they were doing was wrong.

Legacy

The M'Naghten Rules had a profound impact on the legal system, not only in the United Kingdom but also in other countries influenced by British law. They became the standard for determining criminal responsibility in cases involving mental illness.

Furthermore, the case of Daniel M'Naghten brought attention to the issue of mental health and the treatment of mentally ill individuals within the criminal justice system. It highlighted the need for a more nuanced understanding of mental illness and its impact on an individual's ability to understand and control their actions.

See Also

• Insanity defense
• Criminal responsibility
• Mental illness
• Legal system
• House of Lords

[[Category