The judicial use of psycho-narcosis in France.

Abstract

J. P. Gagnieur, Commissaire du Gouvernement in the Financial Section of the Judicial Courts of Paris, recently presented a brief account of the legal controversy which arose in Paris during the last year as a result of the admissions made by a criminal while under the influence of sodium pentothal. (See: "The Judicial Use of Psycho-Narcosis in France," Jan.-Feb. 1949.) Upon the final disposition of the matter with the acquittal of the court's medical expert of all charges arising out of his investigation, Magistrate Gagnieur has prepared a comprehensive paper discussing the various questions brought about by the forensic use of psychonarcosis. The Journal feels fortunate in presenting the views of Magistrate Gagnieur, whose background as a graduate of the Institute of Criminology at Paris and as a former Public Prosecutor and criminal investigator, specially qualifies him to discuss this subject.-EDITOR.