Woman’s Special Psychophysical State as a Ground of Commutation Liability According to Art. 117 of Criminal Code of Ukraine

Abstract

The article deals with special mental and physical state of the woman during childbirth or immediately after birth as a base leniency of criminal responsibility for murder of mother of her newlyborn child. Considering the special psychophysical state of women, it should be taken into account a set of processes of physical (pain sensations that accompany childbirth), and mental nature (tension during childbirth process, fear etc.), which help to reduce the ability to clearly understand the significance of her actions and guide them. Special psychophysical state is present in every woman during the corresponding period associated with pregnancy and childbirth, that is takes place in all cases of mother murder of a newlyborn child during birth or immediately after birth. As the analysis of criminal case’s materials shows the decision to commit a crime is made informed and usually formed before childbirth.Therefore, one can not say that at the moment a woman is restricted sane. Changing of resolute and intellectual spheres though is going on, but not because of morbid mental disorders. However, it is possible that the woman at the time of childbirth or immediately after it may be under the influence of painful mental disorder, that is to be partially sane. Such incidents, although rare, but it does happen in the judiciary (investigation) practice. Thus, a special psychophysical state does not always coincide with restricted sanity.