The general rule from Lucas v The Queen that it is unnecessary and undesirable to direct a jury on the consequences of a verdict of not guilty on account of unsoundness of mind remains the prima facie rule in Queensland. However, where a juror asks about consequences, defence counsel requests a direction, and the evidence suggests the accused is dangerous, it is within the trial judge's discretion to give a short direction about the existence of the mental health detention and review system, though failure to do so is not an error. The practical difficulties in accurately summarising the mental health legislative scheme militate against detailed directions on consequences.
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