by reason of

1. Because of, owing to, as in By reason of a crop failure, the price of coffee is bound to rise. This expression is considered quite formal today. [c. 1300]

Example Sentences

Mosquera admitted killing Mr Alfonso but claimed it was manslaughter by reason of loss of control.

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While initially convicted of first-degree murder in Worden’s death, he was eventually declared not guilty by reason of insanity — diagnosed as schizophrenic — and was institutionalized until his death due to complications from cancer in 1984.

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While she did kill her children, she was "not guilty of murder by reason of insanity," her lawyer said.

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"She has killed her children but she is not guilty of murder by reason of insanity," Ms Smith said.

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Her boyfriend, Gogoa Lois Tape, 28, previously admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and carrying a knife.

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