The Criminal Lunatics (Ireland) Act 1838[1] (1 & 2 Vict. c. 27) was an act of Parliament in the United Kingdom, signed into law on 11 June 1838. It was one of the Lunacy (Ireland) Acts 1821 to 1890.[2]
| Act of Parliament | |
 | |
| Long title | An Act to make more effectual Provision for the Prevention of Offences by Insane Persons in Ireland. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 1 & 2 Vict. c. 27 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 11 June 1838 |
| Other legislation | |
| Amended by | Statute Law Revision Act 1874 (No. 2) |
Provisions
editThe act provided that when a person was detained under circumstances suggesting that they were of deranged mind and had the intention of committing a crime, then two justices were empowered to call in a physician to examine the suspect. If the physician determined that the person was a "dangerous lunatic" he could be committed to gaol, until either discharged by order of two justices or removed to a lunatic asylum by order of the Lord Lieutenant.[3]
Role of Lord Lieutenant
editThe Lord Lieutenant was given the power to direct persons under a sentence of imprisonment or transportation be placed in a lunatic asylum, to remain there until certified of sound mind by two physicians, when the Lord Lieutenant could direct their removal. Additionally, he was given a similar power in regard to persons committed for trial.[3]
See also
editReferences
editSources
edit- The British almanac of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, for the year 1839. The Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, London, 1839.
Citations
edit- ^ The citation of this Act by this short title was authorised by the Short Titles Act 1896, section 1 and the first schedule. Due to the repeal of those provisions it is now authorised by section 19(2) of the Interpretation Act 1978.
- ^ The Short Titles Act 1896, section 2(1) and Schedule 2
- ^ a b Kelly, Brendan (2008). "The Mental Treatment Act 1945 in Ireland: an historical enquiry". History of Psychiatry. 19 (73 Pt 1): 51. doi:10.1177/0957154X06075949. PMID 19127828.
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