What is the Defence of Insanity in Western Australia? Under Western Australian law, a person may not be held criminally responsible for their actions if, at the time of the offence, they were suffering from a significant mental impairment that deprived them of their ability to understand, control, or assess the wrongfulness of their conduct.…
The defence of provocation applies when a person loses self-control due to provocation and acts immediately, as long as the force used is not excessive or likely to cause serious harm. In Western Australia, provocation can serve as a legal defence under the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 for offences involving assault. Whether an…
In Western Australia, the defence of duress provides legal protection for individuals who commit offences under the threat of serious harm or death. This defence acknowledges that, in some circumstances, a person may act unlawfully to avoid a greater danger. Below, we explore the legal framework surrounding duress, citing Section 32 of the Criminal Code…
23B. Accident Summary: The defence of accident applies when a person is not criminally responsible for an event that occurs unintentionally and without negligence. (1) This section is subject to the rules in Chapter XXVII and section 444A about negligent acts and omissions. (2) A person is not legally responsible for an event that happens…
In Western Australia, the law recognises that there are some offences that are more serious than others. The Courts in Western Australia classify serious offences as ‘indictable offences’, or a ‘crime’. Indictable charges will inevitably end up at the the higher courts if the matter is listed for a trial or sentencing. The lesser charges…