مؤسسة الشرق الأوسط للنشر العلمي
عادةً ما يتم الرد في غضون خمس دقائق
This study examines the relationship between mental health and the criminal justice system in Sudan through a qualitative case study of the 1961 Sudanese judicial decision involving Nafisa Dafalla. The study explores how mental illness was interpreted within Sudanese legal proceedings and evaluates the adequacy of forensic psychiatric practices within the Sudanese justice system. Using doctrinal legal analysis and qualitative review of secondary sources, the research identifies systemic weaknesses including limited forensic psychiatric infrastructure, shortage of trained professionals, outdated diagnostic practices, and weak coordination between legal and healthcare institutions. Comparative analysis with English law and Islamic jurisprudence demonstrates differing approaches to criminal responsibility and mental incapacity. The findings suggest that although Sudanese law recognizes partial insanity and diminished responsibility, implementation remains inconsistent due to institutional and structural limitations. The study recommends legal reform, investment in forensic psychiatric services, interdisciplinary training, and modernization of diagnostic procedures to improve fairness and human rights protections within Sudan’s criminal justice system.