Seanad debates
Wednesday, 19 February 2003
Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002: Second Stage.
The second issue I would like the Minister to address is whether we are liable to end up with people who can manage to get a different verdict because they can afford to pay for the very best psychiatric opinions, including employing international experts. I would be concerned about this aspect, given that psychiatry, by its nature, is not a precise science. I presume this happens in many other areas. The Supreme Court decision today which overturns the procedures on drink driving had much to do with people's ability to employ clever lawyers. Without a doubt, people were able to employ good lawyers and it is the job of such lawyers to win cases. I am sure the Minister knows something about this.
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