The Hand that Rocks the Cradle: Reflections on Postpartum Psychosis and the Defence of Pathological Criminal Incapacity

Journal of Contemporary Roman-Dutch Law, Vol. 75, pp. 280-287, 2012

8 Pages Posted: 3 Mar 2013

See all articles by Philip Stevens

Philip Stevens

University of Pretoria - Faculty of Law

Date Written: May 2, 2012

Abstract

The idea of a mother killing her new-born baby is horrific. On face value it would appear as one of the most atrocious criminal acts perpetrated on the most vulnerable and defenceless of victims. The reality is, however, that mothers who kill their infants often perform these horrific criminal acts as a result of their suffering from serious mental disorders frequently unknown to themselves or close family members. Postpartum psychosis is one such example. The phenomenon of postpartum psychosis has only fairly recently received attention as a mental disorder affecting mothers of new-born babies.

Keywords: postpartum psychosis, pathological criminal incapacity

Suggested Citation

Stevens, Philip, The Hand that Rocks the Cradle: Reflections on Postpartum Psychosis and the Defence of Pathological Criminal Incapacity (May 2, 2012). Journal of Contemporary Roman-Dutch Law, Vol. 75, pp. 280-287, 2012, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2227310

Philip Stevens (Contact Author)

University of Pretoria - Faculty of Law ( email )

Lynnwood Road
Pretoria, 5100
South Africa

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