Chapter 8 – Criminal Defenses (Excuse)

Daniel M’Naghten, insane murderer. Photographed by Henry Hering c 1856.

All discussion of the tests of criminal responsibility inevitably must refer to M’Naghten’s Case (1843) … In that case Daniel M’Naghten attempted to assassinate Robert Peel, the Prime Minister. Because Peel, on the fatal day, happened to ride in Queen Victoria’s carriage instead of his own, M’Naghten shot into the wrong carriage and killed Drummond, Peel’s secretary. From all of the available information it seems quite plain that M’Naghten was suffering from psychotic delusions of persecution.

– See Pope v. State, 478 P.2d 801, 807-808 (Alaska 1970) (Connor, J. concurring in part and dissenting in part).