Medical Jurisprudence Commons^™

This paper concentrates on fitness for trial in the District Court and deals with the topic under two main headings: firstly, how does the District Court determine fitness for trial and secondly, the consequences of a finding of unfitness for trial. Ireland's Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006 introduced significant reforms to this area of law, and the implications for the District Court are reviewed.

Mental illnesses and disorders affect many people around the world annually, but unfortunately infrastructures and systems are not in place to adequately address these issues as much as they are for somatic diseases and ailments. Mental Health Parity Law seeks to equalize and improve available and accessible mental health treatment with medical care by mandating insurance and payment provisions. Mental Health Parity Law exists at federal and most state levels, however, federal and many state laws are not as inclusive and comprehensive as is necessary to fully reap the benefits of increased quality and affordable mental healthcare.