1.    A defendant found not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility may seek post-trial relief in the trial court and may appeal to the supreme court on issues pertaining to the verdict or finding that the defendant committed the crime charged.

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Terms Used In North Dakota Code 12.1-04.1-19

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Court: means any of the following courts: the supreme court, a district court, and where relevant, a municipal court. See North Dakota Code 12.1-01-04
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
  • Verdict: The decision of a petit jury or a judge.
  • verdict: includes not only the verdict of a jury, but also the finding upon the facts of a judge or of a master appointed to determine the issues in a cause. See North Dakota Code 1-01-41

2.    If the verdict or finding is not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility, and a new trial is ordered on the issue of whether the defendant committed the crime charged, unless defendant elects to waive the defense, the verdict or finding of lack of criminal responsibility is conclusive on that issue in the retrial.