eirangaistavuutta

Eirangaistavuutta is a Finnish legal concept that translates to "unpunishability due to insanity" or "irresistibility of criminal intent." It refers to a legal defense in criminal proceedings where an individual may be found not guilty by reason of mental illness if they were unable to understand the wrongfulness of their actions or to control their behavior at the time of the offense.

The core principle behind eirangaistavuutta is that individuals who lack the mental capacity to comprehend their actions or to resist committing a crime should not be held criminally responsible. This defense acknowledges that severe mental disorders can impair an individual's volitional and cognitive abilities to such an extent that it would be unjust to punish them. The assessment of eirangaistavuutta typically involves thorough psychiatric evaluations and expert testimony to determine the defendant's mental state at the time of the alleged crime.

In practice, establishing eirangaistavuutta is a high legal bar. It requires demonstrating not just a mental illness, but that this illness directly and critically impacted the defendant's capacity for criminal responsibility. The legal system aims to balance the need for justice and public safety with the ethical consideration of not punishing those who are not mentally culpable. If a defense of eirangaistavuutta is successful, the individual is acquitted of criminal charges, but may still be subject to mandatory psychiatric treatment or commitment to a secure mental health facility under civil law.