Sections 1(1) to (3) now read: {{boxquote|{{ubl
Amendments The word "if" was substituted for the words "notwithstanding that" in sections 1(1) and (2) by sections 57(2)(a) and (3)(a) of the
Coroners and Justice Act 2009. The words "or manslaughter" were inserted in sections 1(1) and (2) by sections 57(2)(a) and (3)(a) of that Act. The words at the end of section 1(3), and section 1(4), of the act were repealed by section 10(2) of, and part III of schedule 3 to, the
Criminal Law Act 1967, which came into force on 1 January 1968.
"Notwithstanding that" In
R v Gore, the Court of Appeal held that this expression meant "even if".
Restriction on institution of proceedings Proceedings against a woman for infanticide, if the injury alleged to have caused the death was sustained more than three years before the death occurred, or the person has previously been convicted of an offence committed in circumstances alleged to be connected with the death, may only be instituted by or with the consent of the
Attorney General.
Alternative verdict Where on the trial of any person for infanticide the jury are of the opinion that the person charged is not guilty of infanticide, but that she is shown by the evidence to be guilty of
child destruction, the jury may find her guilty of that offence.
Mode of trial Infanticide is
triable only on indictment.
Sentence The effect of the words "punished as if she had been guilty of the offence of manslaughter" is that a person convicted of infanticide is liable to
imprisonment for life. == Section 2 - Short title, extent and repeal ==