Psychological Annotations

Two important trials have occurred lately in which the plea of insanity was raised. I allude to that of Madden, tried for threatening the life of the Queen, and acquitted on the ground of insanity ; and Mullens, found guilty of threatening the life of an officer connected with the Board of Trade. The nature of the two cases is precisely similar, but the result of the trials diametrically opposite. We have frequently urged that a jury are incompetent to form a correct opinion on the mental state of an individual. Many of the agitators on lunacy reform have stated that previous to the admission of any person into an asylum he should be examined by a jury of his fellow-countrymen. This may appear feasible, but it is quite impracticable and absurd. Every case of alleged lunacy which comes within