School of Law hosts influential forum on fitness to plead
The School of Law has played host to an influential Law Commission discussion of the complex legal issues which arise when a defendant's fitness to plead in a criminal trial is called into question.
The event brought together over 100 leading legal practitioners, forensic psychiatrists and other mental health experts, academics, and victims' representatives. It examined a number of questions concerning appropriate legal procedures and safeguards needed to ensure justice for both defendants and victims in cases where a defendant is found to be unfit to be tried in the usual way.
Options for law reform suggested during the event will be put forward by the Law Commission in its recommendations to the Government.
Professor Anthea Hucklesby, Director of Research in the School of Law, said: "It is fantastic that the Law Commission saw Leeds as the ideal location for this event, which drew together so many influential figures. It says much about our desire as a School to interact with the wider legal community."