Armed Forces Act 1996

Section 8.

SCHEDULE 2 Findings of unfitness to stand trial and insanity

The 1955 Acts

1 For section 116 of each of the 1955 Acts (provisions where accused found insane) there shall be substituted the following sections—

“Findings of unfitness to stand trial and insanity

115A Fitness to stand trial

(1) This section applies where on a trial by court-martial of a person the question arises (at the instance of the defence or otherwise) whether the accused is fit to stand trial.

(2) For the purposes of this Act a person is unfit to stand trial if he is under a disability such that apart from the [1964 c. 84.] Criminal Procedure (Insanity) Act 1964 it would constitute a bar to his being tried on indictment in England and Wales.

(3) If, having regard to the nature of the supposed disability, the court is of opinion that it is expedient to do so and in the interests of the accused, it may postpone consideration of the question of fitness to stand trial until any time up to the opening of the case for the defence.

(4) If, before the question of fitness to stand trial falls to be determined, the court finds the accused not guilty on the charge or each of the charges on which he is being tried, that question shall not be determined.

(5) Subject to subsections (3) and (4) above, the question of fitness to stand trial shall be determined as soon as it arises.

(6) The question of fitness to stand trial shall be determined by the court and—

(a) where it falls to be determined on the commencement of the trial and the trial proceeds, the accused shall be tried by a court-martial other than that which determined that question;

(b) where it falls to be determined at any later time, it shall be determined by a court-martial other than that by which the accused is being tried.

(7) A court shall not make a determination under subsection (6) above except on the written or oral evidence of two or more registered medical practitioners at least one of whom is duly approved.

115B Finding that the accused did the act or made the omission charged against him

(1) This section applies where in accordance with section 115A(6) above it is determined by a court-martial that the accused is unfit to stand trial.

(2) The trial shall not proceed or further proceed but it shall be determined by the court—

(a) on the evidence (if any) already given in the trial; and

(b) on such evidence as may be adduced or further adduced by the prosecution, or adduced by a person appointed by the court under this section to put the case for the defence,

whether it is satisfied, as respects the charge or each of the charges on which the accused was to be or was being tried, that he did the act or made the omission charged against him as the offence.

(3) If as respects that charge or any of those charges the court is satisfied as mentioned in subsection (2) above, it shall make a finding that the accused did the act or made the omission charged against him.

(4) If as respects that charge or any of those charges the court is not so satisfied, the court shall find the accused not guilty as if on the charge in question the trial had proceeded to a conclusion.

(5) A determination under subsection (2) above shall be made—

(a) where the question of fitness to stand trial was determined on the commencement of the trial, by a court-martial other than that which determined that question; and

(b) where that question was determined at any later time, by the court-martial by whom the accused was being tried.

116 Findings of insanity

(1) Where, on the trial of a person by court-martial, the court is satisfied, as respects the charge or any of the charges on which he is being tried, that the accused did the act or made the omission charged against him as the offence but that at the time of that act or omission he was insane, the court shall find that the accused was not guilty of that offence by reason of insanity.

(2) No finding under subsection (1) above shall be made except on the written or oral evidence of two or more registered medical practitioners at least one of whom is duly approved.

116A Powers to deal with persons unfit to stand trial or not guilty by reason of insanity

(1) This section applies where, on a trial of a person by a court-martial—

(a) the accused is found to be unfit to stand trial and to have done the act or made the omission charged against him; or

(b) the accused is found not guilty by reason of insanity.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4) below, the court shall make one of the following orders in respect of the accused, namely—

(a) an admission order;

(b) a guardianship order;

(c) a supervision and treatment order; or

(d) an order discharging him absolutely,

as the court thinks most suitable in all the circumstances of the case.

(3) The court may not make an order under subsection (2)(b), (c) or (d) above if the offence to which the finding relates is an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law.

(4) The court shall not make a guardianship order or a supervision and treatment order unless it has power to do so by virtue of section 116C or section 116D below.

(5) An order under subsection (2)(a), (b) or (c) above shall be treated as if it had been made by a civil court in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, as the court may direct, and the appropriate mental health legislation shall apply accordingly with such modifications as may be prescribed.

116B Admission orders

(1) In this Act “admission order” means an order that the person in respect of whom it is made be admitted, in accordance with regulations under subsection (3) below, to such hospital as may be specified by the Secretary of State.

(2) Where an admission order is made by a court-martial, the court may, in such circumstances as may be prescribed, direct the accused to be treated as if an order restricting his discharge had been made under the appropriate mental health legislation, either without limit of time or (if a civil court would have been permitted to do so under the legislation concerned) during such period as may be specified in the direction.

(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision with respect to the admission to, detention in, and release from, hospital of any person in respect of whom an admission order has been made.

(4) Regulations under subsection (3) above may in particular make provision—

(a) for a person in respect of whom an admission order has been made to be conveyed to, and detained in, a place of safety pending his admission to the hospital;

(b) for the period within which such a person is to be admitted to the hospital;

(c) for the appropriate mental health legislation to apply, with such modifications as may be prescribed, in relation to admission orders as the legislation concerned applies in relation to hospital orders;

(d) for a person in respect of whom an admission order has been made to be remitted for trial in such circumstances as may be prescribed.

(5) In this section “hospital”, “hospital order” and “place of safety” have the same meanings as in the appropriate mental health legislation.

116C Guardianship orders

(1) In this Act “guardianship order” means an order placing the accused under the guardianship of—

(a) in a case where the order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in England and Wales, a local social services authority or such other person approved by a local social services authority as may be specified in the order;

(b) in a case where the order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in Scotland, a local authority or such other person approved by a local authority as may be specified in the order;

(c) in a case where the order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in Northern Ireland, a Board or an authorised HSS trust or such other person approved by a Board or an authorised HSS trust as may be specified in the order.

(2) In subsection (1) above—

• “authorised HSS trust” and “Board” have the same meanings as in the [S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4).] Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986;

• “local authority” has the same meaning as in the [1984 c. 36.] Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984; and

• “local social services authority” has the same meaning as in the [1983 c. 20.] Mental Health Act 1983.

(3) A court-martial shall not make a guardianship order unless—

(a) the court is satisfied, on the written or oral evidence of two registered medical practitioners, that—

(i) the accused is suffering from mental illness, psychopathic disorder, severe mental impairment or mental impairment; and

(ii) the mental disorder is of a nature or degree which warrants his reception into guardianship; and

(b) the court is of the opinion, having regard to all the circumstances including the nature of the offence and the character and antecedents of the accused and the other available methods of dealing with him, that the most suitable method of disposing of the case is by means of a guardianship order.

(4) A court-martial shall not make a guardianship order unless it is also satisfied that the authority or other person intended to be specified in the order is willing to receive the accused into guardianship.

(5) A guardianship order shall specify the form or forms of mental disorder referred to in subsection (3)(a) above from which, upon the evidence taken into account under that subsection, the accused is found by the court to be suffering; and a guardianship order shall not be made unless the accused is described by each of the practitioners whose evidence is taken into account under that subsection as suffering from the same one of those forms of mental disorder, whether or not he is also described by either of them as suffering from another of those forms of mental disorder.

(6) The appropriate mental health legislation shall apply, with such modifications as may be prescribed, in relation to guardianship orders under this section as it applies to guardianship orders under the legislation concerned.

(7) In this section “mental disorder”, “mental impairment”, “psychopathic disorder” and “severe mental impairment” have the same meanings as in the [1983 c. 20.] Mental Health Act 1983.

116D Supervision and treatment orders

(1) In this Act “supervision and treatment order” means an order requiring the person in respect of whom it is made (“the supervised person”)—

(a) to be under the supervision of a person (“the supervising officer”) specified in the order for a period specified in the order of not more than two years;

(b) to submit, during the whole of that period or such part of it as may be specified in the order, to treatment by or under the direction of a registered medical practitioner at a place specified in the order with a view to the improvement of his mental condition; and

(c) to comply with such other requirements as may be specified in the order.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order direct that subsection (1)(a) above shall be amended by substituting, for the period for the time being specified in that paragraph such other period as may be specified in the order.

(3) A court-martial shall not make a supervision and treatment order unless it is satisfied—

(a) that, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, the making of such an order is the most suitable means of dealing with the accused;

(b) on the written or oral evidence of two or more registered medical practitioners, at least one of whom is duly approved, that the mental condition of the accused—

(i) is such as requires and may be susceptible to treatment; but

(ii) is not such as to warrant the making of an admission order or a guardianship order.

(4) The court shall not make a supervision and treatment order unless it is also satisfied—

(a) that the supervising officer intended to be specified in the order is willing to undertake the supervision; and

(b) that arrangements have been made for the treatment intended to be specified in the order (including arrangements for the reception of the accused where he is to be required to submit to treatment as a resident patient).

(5) The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision in relation to supervision and treatment orders.

(6) Regulations under subsection (5) above may in particular make provision—

(a) as to the procedure to be followed by a court-martial making a supervision and treatment order;

(b) as to the requirements which may be specified in such an order;

(c) as to the descriptions of supervising officer who may be so specified;

(d) for treatment to be provided at a place other than the place specified in the order in accordance with arrangements made by the medical practitioner by whom or under whose direction the supervised person is being treated;

(e) for the amendment and revocation of any supervision and treatment order.

116E Provisions supplementary to sections 115A to 116D

(1) In this section and sections 115A to 116D above—

• “the appropriate mental health legislation” means—

  (a)

  in a case where an order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in England and Wales, the [1983 c. 20.] Mental Health Act 1983;

  (b)

  in a case where an order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in Scotland, the [1984 c. 36.] Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 and Part VI of the [1995 c. 43.] Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995;

  (c)

  in a case where an order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in Northern Ireland, the [S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4).] Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986;

• “duly approved” means—

  (a)

  approved for the purposes of section 12 of the Mental Health Act 1983 by the Secretary of State as having special experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorder (within the meaning of that Act);

  (b)

  approved for the purposes of section 20 or 39 of the [1984 c. 36.] Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 by a Health Board as having special experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorder (within the meaning of that Act); or

  (c)

  appointed for the purposes of Part II of the [S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4).] Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 by the Mental Health Commission for Northern Ireland;

• “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(2) For the purposes of the provisions of sections 115A, 116, 116C and 116D of this Act which permit a court to act on the written evidence of a registered medical practitioner or a registered medical practitioner who is duly approved, a report in writing purporting to be signed by a registered medical practitioner or a registered medical practitioner who is duly approved may, subject to subsection (3) below, be received in evidence without proof of the signature of the practitioner and without proof that he has the requisite qualifications or is duly approved; but the court may require the signatory of any such report to be called to give oral evidence.

(3) Where, in pursuance of a direction of the court, any such report is tendered in evidence otherwise than by or on behalf of the accused, then—

(a) if the accused is represented by counsel or a solicitor, a copy of the report shall be given to his counsel or solicitor;

(b) if the accused is not so represented, the substance of the report shall be disclosed to him; and

(c) the accused may require the signatory of the report to be called to give oral evidence, and evidence to rebut the evidence contained in the report may be called by the accused or on his behalf.

(4) The power of the Secretary of State to make regulations under sections 116A, 116B, 116C and 116D above, and orders under section 116D(2) above, shall be exercisable by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

2 In section 225(1) of the [1955 c. 18.] Army Act 1955 (general provisions as to interpretation)—

(a) after the definition of “active service” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““admission order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 116B(1) of this Act;”;

(b) after the definition of “Governor” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““guardianship order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 116C(1) of this Act;”; and

(c) after the definition of “stoppages” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““supervision and treatment order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 116D(1) of this Act;”.

3 In section 223(1) of the [1955 c. 19.] Air Force Act 1955 (general provisions as to interpretation)—

(a) after the definition of “active service” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““admission order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 116B(1) of this Act;”;

(b) after the definition of “Governor” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““guardianship order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 116C(1) of this Act;”; and

(c) after the definition of “stoppages” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““supervision and treatment order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 116D(1) of this Act;”.

The 1957 Act

4 For section 63 of the 1957 Act (special finding of insane at time of trial or offence) there shall be substituted the following sections—

“62A Fitness to stand trial

(1) This section applies where on a trial by court-martial of a person the question arises (at the instance of the defence or otherwise) whether the accused is fit to stand trial.

(2) For the purposes of this Act a person is unfit to stand trial if he is under a disability such that apart from the [1964 c. 84.] Criminal Procedure (Insanity) Act 1964 it would constitute a bar to his being tried on indictment in England and Wales.

(3) If, having regard to the nature of the supposed disability, the court is of opinion that it is expedient to do so and in the interests of the accused, it may postpone consideration of the question of fitness to stand trial until any time up to the opening of the case for the defence.

(4) If, before the question of fitness to stand trial falls to be determined, the court finds the accused not guilty on the charge or each of the charges on which he is being tried, that question shall not be determined.

(5) Subject to subsections (3) and (4) above, the question of fitness to stand trial shall be determined as soon as it arises.

(6) The question of fitness to stand trial shall be determined by the court and—

(a) where it falls to be determined on the commencement of the trial and the trial proceeds, the accused shall be tried by a court-martial other than that which determined that question;

(b) where it falls to be determined at any later time, it shall be determined by a court-martial other than that by which the accused is being tried.

(7) A court shall not make a determination under subsection (6) above except on the written or oral evidence of two or more registered medical practitioners at least one of whom is duly approved.

62B Finding that the accused did the act or made the omission charged against him

(1) This section applies where in accordance with section 62A(6) above it is determined by a court-martial that the accused is unfit to stand trial.

(2) The trial shall not proceed or further proceed but it shall be determined by the court—

(a) on the evidence (if any) already given in the trial; and

(b) on such evidence as may be adduced or further adduced by the prosecution, or adduced by a person appointed by the court under this section to put the case for the defence,

whether it is satisfied, as respects the charge or each of the charges on which the accused was to be or was being tried, that he did the act or made the omission charged against him as the offence.

(3) If as respects that charge or any of those charges the court is satisfied as mentioned in subsection (2) above, it shall make a finding that the accused did the act or made the omission charged against him.

(4) If as respects that charge or any of those charges the court is not so satisfied, the court shall find the accused not guilty as if on the charge in question the trial had proceeded to a conclusion.

(5) A determination under subsection (2) above shall be made—

(a) where the question of fitness to stand trial was determined on the commencement of the trial, by a court-martial other than that which determined that question; and

(b) where that question was determined at any later time, by the court-martial by whom the accused was being tried.

63 Findings of insanity

(1) Where, on the trial of a person by court-martial, the court is satisfied, as respects the charge or any of the charges on which he is being tried, that the accused did the act or made the omission charged against him as the offence but that at the time of that act or omission he was insane, the court shall find that the accused was not guilty of that offence by reason of insanity.

(2) No finding under subsection (1) above shall be made except on the written or oral evidence of two or more registered medical practitioners at least one of whom is duly approved.

63A Powers to deal with persons not guilty by reason of insanity or unfit to stand trial

(1) This section applies where, on a trial of a person by a court-martial—

(a) the accused is found to be unfit to stand trial and to have done the act or made the omission charged against him; or

(b) the accused is found not guilty by reason of insanity.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4) below, the court shall make one of the following orders in respect of the accused, namely—

(a) an admission order;

(b) a guardianship order;

(c) a supervision and treatment order; or

(d) an order discharging him absolutely,

as the court thinks most suitable in all the circumstances of the case.

(3) The court may not make an order under subsection (2)(b), (c) or (d) above if the offence to which the finding relates is an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law.

(4) The court shall not make a guardianship order or a supervision and treatment order unless it has power to do so by virtue of section 63C or section 63D below.

(5) An order under subsection (2)(a), (b) or (c) above shall be treated as if it had been made by a civil court in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, as the court may direct, and the appropriate mental health legislation shall apply accordingly with such modifications as may be prescribed.

63B Admission orders

(1) In this Act “admission order” means an order that the person in respect of whom it is made be admitted, in accordance with regulations under subsection (3) below, to such hospital as may be specified by the Secretary of State.

(2) Where an admission order is made by a court-martial, the court may, in such circumstances as may be prescribed, direct the accused to be treated as if an order restricting his discharge had been made under the appropriate mental health legislation, either without limit of time or (if a civil court would have been permitted to do so under the legislation concerned) during such period as may be specified in the direction.

(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision with respect to the admission to, detention in, and release from, hospital of any person in respect of whom an admission order has been made.

(4) Regulations under subsection (3) above may in particular make provision—

(a) for a person in respect of whom an admission order has been made to be conveyed to, and detained in, a place of safety pending his admission to the hospital;

(b) for the period within which such a person is to be admitted to the hospital;

(c) for the appropriate mental health legislation to apply, with such modifications as may be prescribed, in relation to admission orders as the legislation concerned applies in relation to hospital orders;

(d) for a person in respect of whom an admission order has been made to be remitted for trial in such circumstances as may be prescribed.

(5) In this section “hospital”, “hospital order” and “place of safety” have the same meanings as in the appropriate mental health legislation.

63C Guardianship orders

(1) In this Act “guardianship order” means an order placing the accused under the guardianship of—

(a) in a case where the order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in England and Wales, a local social services authority or such other person approved by a local social services authority as may be specified in the order;

(b) in a case where the order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in Scotland, a local authority or such other person approved by a local authority as may be specified in the order;

(c) in a case where the order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in Northern Ireland, a Board or an authorised HSS trust or such other person approved by a Board or an authorised HSS trust as may be specified in the order.

(2) In subsection (1) above—

• “authorised HSS trust” and “Board” have the same meanings as in the [S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4).] Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986;

• “local authority” has the same meaning as in the [1984 c. 36.] Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984; and

• “local social services authority” has the same meaning as in the [1983 c. 20.] Mental Health Act 1983.

(3) A court-martial shall not make a guardianship order unless—

(a) the court is satisfied, on the written or oral evidence of two registered medical practitioners, that—

(i) the accused is suffering from mental illness, psychopathic disorder, severe mental impairment or mental impairment; and

(ii) the mental disorder is of a nature or degree which warrants his reception into guardianship; and

(b) the court is of the opinion, having regard to all the circumstances including the nature of the offence and the character and antecedents of the accused and the other available methods of dealing with him, that the most suitable method of disposing of the case is by means of a guardianship order.

(4) A court-martial shall not make a guardianship order unless it is also satisfied that the authority or other person intended to be specified in the order is willing to receive the accused into guardianship.

(5) A guardianship order shall specify the form or forms of mental disorder referred to in subsection (3)(a) above from which, upon the evidence taken into account under that subsection, the accused is found by the court to be suffering; and a guardianship order shall not be made unless the accused is described by each of the practitioners whose evidence is taken into account under that subsection as suffering from the same one of those forms of mental disorder, whether or not he is also described by either of them as suffering from another of those forms of mental disorder.

(6) The appropriate mental health legislation shall apply, with such modifications as may be prescribed, in relation to guardianship orders under this section as it applies to guardianship orders under the legislation concerned.

(7) In this section “mental disorder”, “mental impairment”, “psychopathic disorder” and “severe mental impairment” have the same meanings as in the Mental Health Act 1983.

63D Supervision and treatment orders

(1) In this Act “supervision and treatment order” means an order requiring the person in respect of whom it is made (“the supervised person”)—

(a) to be under the supervision of a person (“the supervising officer”) specified in the order for a period specified in the order of not more than two years;

(b) to submit, during the whole of that period or such part of it as may be specified in the order, to treatment by or under the direction of a registered medical practitioner at a place specified in the order with a view to the improvement of his mental condition; and

(c) to comply with such other requirements as may be specified in the order.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order direct that subsection (1)(a) above shall be amended by substituting, for the period for the time being specified in that paragraph such other period as may be specified in the order.

(3) A court-martial shall not make a supervision and treatment order unless it is satisfied—

(a) that, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, the making of such an order is the most suitable means of dealing with the accused;

(b) on the written or oral evidence of two or more registered medical practitioners, at least one of whom is duly approved, that the mental condition of the accused—

(i) is such as requires and may be susceptible to treatment; but

(ii) is not such as to warrant the making of an admission order or a guardianship order.

(4) The court shall not make a supervision and treatment order unless it is also satisfied—

(a) that the supervising officer intended to be specified in the order is willing to undertake the supervision; and

(b) that arrangements have been made for the treatment intended to be specified in the order (including arrangements for the reception of the accused where he is to be required to submit to treatment as a resident patient).

(5) The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision in relation to supervision and treatment orders.

(6) Regulations under subsection (5) above may in particular make provision—

(a) as to the procedure to be followed by a court-martial making a supervision and treatment order;

(b) as to the requirements which may be specified in such an order;

(c) as to the descriptions of supervising officer who may be so specified;

(d) for treatment to be provided at a place other than the place specified in the order in accordance with arrangements made by the medical practitioner by whom or under whose direction the supervised person is being treated;

(e) for the amendment and revocation of any supervision and treatment order.

63E Provisions supplementary to sections 62A to 63D

(1) In this section and sections 62A to 63D above—

• “the appropriate mental health legislation” means—

  (a)

  in a case where an order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in England and Wales, the [1983 c. 20.] Mental Health Act 1983;

  (b)

  in a case where an order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in Scotland, the [1984 c. 36.] Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 and Part VI of the [1995 c. 43.] Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995;

  (c)

  in a case where an order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in Northern Ireland, the [S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4).] Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986;

• “duly approved” means—

  (a)

  approved for the purposes of section 12 of the Mental Health Act 1983 by the Secretary of State as having special experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorder (within the meaning of that Act);

  (b)

  approved for the purposes of section 20 or 39 of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 by a Health Board as having special experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorder (within the meaning of that Act); or

  (c)

  appointed for the purposes of Part II of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 by the Mental Health Commission for Northern Ireland;

• “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(2) For the purposes of the provisions of sections 62A, 63, 63C and 63D of this Act which permit a court to act on the written evidence of a registered medical practitioner or a registered medical practitioner who is duly approved, a report in writing purporting to be signed by a registered medical practitioner or a registered medical practitioner who is duly approved may, subject to subsection (3) below, be received in evidence without proof of the signature of the practitioner and without proof that he has the requisite qualifications or is duly approved; but the court may require the signatory of any such report to be called to give oral evidence.

(3) Where, in pursuance of a direction of the court, any such report is tendered in evidence otherwise than by or on behalf of the accused, then—

(a) if the accused is represented by counsel or a solicitor, a copy of the report shall be given to his counsel or solicitor;

(b) if the accused is not so represented, the substance of the report shall be disclosed to him; and

(c) the accused may require the signatory of the report to be called to give oral evidence, and evidence to rebut the evidence contained in the report may be called by the accused or on his behalf.

(4) The power of the Secretary of State to make regulations under sections 63A, 63B, 63C and 63D above, and orders under section 63D(2) above, shall be exercisable by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”.

5 In section 135(1) of the 1957 Act (general provisions as to interpretation)—

(a) before the definition of “aircraft” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““admission order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 63B(1) of this Act;”;

(b) after the definition of “Governor” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““guardianship order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 63C(1) of this Act;”; and

(c) after the definition of “steals” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““supervision and treatment order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 63D(1) of this Act;”.

The Courts-Martial (Appeals) Act 1968 (c. 20)

6 For section 16 of the [1968 c. 20.] Courts-Martial (Appeals) Act 1968 (“the 1968 Act”) there shall be substituted the following section—

“16 Substitution of finding of insanity or findings of unfitness to plead etc

(1) This section applies where, on an appeal against conviction, the Appeal Court, on the written or oral evidence of two or more registered medical practitioners at least one of whom is duly approved, are of opinion—

(a) that the proper finding would have been one of not guilty by reason of insanity; or

(b) that the case is not one where there should have been a finding of not guilty, but that there should have been findings that the accused was unfit to stand trial and that he did the act or made the omission charged against him.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4) below, the Appeal Court shall make one of the following orders in respect of the appellant, namely—

(a) an admission order;

(b) a guardianship order;

(c) a supervision and treatment order; or

(d) an order discharging him absolutely,

as they think most suitable in all the circumstances of the case.

(3) The Appeal Court may not make an order under subsection (2)(b), (c) or (d) above if the offence to which the appeal relates is an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law.

(4) An order under subsection (2)(a), (b) or (c) above shall be treated as if it had been made by a civil court in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, as the Appeal Court may direct, and the appropriate mental health legislation shall apply accordingly with such modifications as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(5) The provisions of, or made under, the relevant Service Act in relation to admission orders, guardianship orders and supervision and treatment orders shall apply to the Appeal Court as if—

(a) references to a court-martial were references to the Appeal Court;

(b) references to the accused were references to the appellant,

and with such other modifications as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(6) The power of the Secretary of State under subsections (4) and (5) above to make regulations shall be exercisable by statutory instrument, which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

7 In section 21(1) of the 1968 Act (appeal against finding of not guilty by reason of insanity), after the word “except” there shall be inserted the words “section 8(2) and”.

8 In section 22(4) of the 1968 Act (consequences where appeal under section 21 allowed), at the beginning there shall be inserted the words “Subject to section 23 below,”.

9 For section 23 of the 1968 Act there shall be substituted the following sections—

“23 Substitution of findings of unfitness to plead etc

(1) This section applies where, on an appeal under section 21 of this Act, the Appeal Court, on the written or oral evidence of two or more registered medical practitioners at least one of whom is duly approved, are of opinion that—

(a) the case is not one where there should have been a finding of not guilty; but

(b) there should have been findings that the accused was unfit to stand trial and that he did the act or made the omission charged against him.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4) below, the Appeal Court shall make one of the following orders in respect of the appellant, namely—

(a) an admission order;

(b) a guardianship order;

(c) a supervision and treatment order; or

(d) an order discharging him absolutely,

as they think most suitable in all the circumstances of the case.

(3) The Appeal Court may not make an order under subsection (2)(b), (c) or (d) above if the offence to which the appeal relates is an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law.

(4) An order under subsection (2)(a), (b) or (c) above shall be treated as if it had been made by a civil court in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, as the Appeal Court may direct, and the appropriate mental health legislation shall apply accordingly with such modifications as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(5) The provisions of, or made under, the relevant Service Act in relation to admission orders, guardianship orders and supervision and treatment orders shall apply to the Appeal Court as if—

(a) references to a court-martial were references to the Appeal Court;

(b) references to the accused were references to the appellant,

and with such other modifications as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(6) The power of the Secretary of State under subsections (4) and (5) above to make regulations shall be exercisable by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

23A Substitution of finding of not guilty

(1) This section applies where, in accordance with section 22(4) of this Act, the Appeal Court substitute a finding of not guilty and the Court, on the written or oral evidence of two or more registered medical practitioners at least one of whom is duly approved, are of opinion—

(a) that the appellant is suffering from mental disorder of a nature or degree which warrants his detention in a hospital for assessment (or for assessment followed by medical treatment) for at least a limited period; and

(b) that he ought to be so detained in the interests of his own health or safety or with a view to the protection of other persons.

(2) The Appeal Court shall—

(a) in the case of an appellant detained pursuant to an admission order made by a court-martial, make an order for his continued detention;

(b) in any other case, make an order that the appellant be admitted for assessment, in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State, to such hospital as may be specified by the Secretary of State.

(3) An order under subsection (2) above shall be treated as if it had been made by a civil court in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, as the Appeal Court may direct, and the appropriate mental health legislation shall apply accordingly with such modifications as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

(4) The power of the Secretary of State under subsections (2)(b) and (3) above to make regulations shall be exercisable by statutory instrument, which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(5) In this section “hospital” and “mental disorder” have the same meanings as in the appropriate mental health legislation.”.

10 (1) Section 24 of the 1968 Act (appeal against finding of unfitness to stand trial) shall be amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1)—

(a) for the words “his trial” there shall be substituted the words “trial and to have done the act or made the omission charged against him”; and

(b) for the words “the finding” there shall be substituted the words “either or both of those findings”.

(3) In subsection (2), after the word “except” there shall be inserted the words “section 8(2) and”.

11 For section 25 of the 1968 Act there shall be substituted the following section—

“25 Disposal of appeal under section 24

(1) This section applies to appeals under section 24 of this Act.

(2) Where the Appeal Court allow an appeal against a finding that the appellant is unfit to stand trial—

(a) the appellant may be tried accordingly for the offence with which he was charged; and

(b) the Court may make such orders as appear to them necessary or expedient pending any such trial for the custody, release or continued detention of the appellant.

(3) Where, otherwise than in a case falling within subsection (2) above, the Appeal Court allow an appeal against a finding that the appellant did the act or made the omission charged against him, the Court shall, in addition to quashing the finding, direct a finding of not guilty to be recorded (but not a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity).”

12 (1) Section 57 of the 1968 Act (interpretation) shall be amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1)—

(a) before the definition of “the Air Force Act” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““admission order” has the same meaning as in the relevant Service Act;”;

(b) after the definition of “appellant” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““the appropriate mental health legislation” means—

(a) in a case where an order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in England and Wales, the [1983 c. 20.] Mental Health Act 1983;

(b) in a case where an order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in Scotland, the [1984 c. 36.] Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 and Part VI of the [1995 c. 43.] Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995;

(c) in a case where an order is treated as if it had been made by a civil court in Northern Ireland, the [S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4).] Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986;”;

(c) after the definition of “army court-martial” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““civil court” has the same meaning as in the relevant Service Act;”;

(d) after the definition of “court-martial;” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““duly approved” means—

(a) approved for the purposes of section 12 of the [1983 c. 20.] Mental Health Act 1983 by the Secretary of State as having special experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorder (within the meaning of that Act);

(b) approved for the purposes of section 20 or 39 of the [1984 c. 36.] Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 by a Health Board as having special experience in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorder (within the meaning of that Act); or

(c) appointed for the purposes of Part II of the [S.I. 1986/595 (N.I. 4).] Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 by the Mental Health Commission for Northern Ireland;”;

(e) after the definition of “enactment” there shall be inserted the following definition—

““guardianship order” has the same meaning as in the relevant Service Act;”;

(f) at the end there shall be inserted the following definition—

““supervision and treatment order” has the same meaning as in the relevant Service Act.”

(3) After subsection (2) there shall be inserted the following subsections—

“(2A) For the purposes of the provisions of sections 16, 23 and 23A of this Act which permit the Appeal Court to act on the written evidence of a registered medical practitioner or a registered medical practitioner who is duly approved, a report in writing purporting to be signed by a registered medical practitioner or a registered medical practitioner who is duly approved may, subject to subsection (2B) below, be received in evidence without proof of the signature of the practitioner and without proof that he has the requisite qualifications or is duly approved; but the Appeal Court may require the signatory of any such report to be called to give oral evidence.

(2B) Where, in pursuance of a direction of the Appeal Court, any such report is tendered in evidence otherwise than by or on behalf of the appellant, then—

(a) if the appellant is represented by counsel or a solicitor, a copy of the report shall be given to his counsel or solicitor;

(b) if the appellant is not so represented, the substance of the report shall be disclosed to him; and

(c) the appellant may require the signatory of the report to be called to give oral evidence, and evidence to rebut the evidence contained in the report may be called by the appellant or on his behalf.”