A person is responsible for his criminal act, if he was suffering from which of the following condition:
**Psychiatric Principle**
The underlying principle being tested is the concept of criminal responsibility, also known as the insanity defense, in the context of psychiatric conditions. This principle involves determining whether a person's mental state at the time of the crime affected their ability to understand the nature and quality of their actions.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **McNaughten's Rule**, which is a legal standard used to determine whether a person is criminally responsible for their actions. According to McNaughten's Rule, a person is not considered criminally responsible if, at the time of the crime, they were suffering from a defect of reason due to a disease of the mind, which rendered them incapable of knowing the nature and quality of their actions or of distinguishing right from wrong. This rule is based on the idea that a person must have the capacity to understand the nature and consequences of their actions in order to be held criminally responsible.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** **Malingering** - Malingering is a condition where a person intentionally fakes or exaggerates symptoms for personal gain, such as to avoid work or to receive financial benefits. It does not affect a person's ability to understand the nature and quality of their actions.
**Option B:** **Histrionic Personality Disorder** - Histrionic Personality Disorder is a condition characterized by excessive emotional expression and a need for attention. While it may affect a person's behavior, it does not necessarily affect their ability to understand the nature and quality of their actions.
**Option C:** **Antisocial Personality Disorder** - Antisocial Personality Disorder is a condition characterized by a lack of empathy and impulsivity. While it may increase the likelihood of criminal behavior, it does not necessarily affect a person's ability to understand the nature and quality of their actions.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key aspect of McNaughten's Rule is that the person must be suffering from a "disease of the mind" at the time of the crime, which can include conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychotic disorders. This highlights the importance of a thorough psychiatric evaluation in determining criminal responsibility.
**Correct Answer: C. McNaughten's Rule**