The Structure & a Summary of the Act Part Two – Criminal Cases Section 40: Periods for assessment orders
118.Section 52D of the 1995 Act makes provision for assessment orders. If a person has been charged with an offence, the case has not been concluded, and it appears to the prosecutor that the person has a mental disorder, the prosecutor may apply to the court for an assessment order to allow the appropriate examination and assessment by an approved medical practitioner of a person prior to trial or after conviction but before sentencing. The time periods for assessment orders are amended by section 40 of the Act.