diminished responsibility

British  

noun

1. law a plea under which proof of an impairing abnormality of mind is submitted as demonstrating lack of premeditation and therefore criminal responsibility

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Example Sentences

Inquiry counsel Rachel Langdale KC asked Sanders what he thought about a charge of manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility being put forward.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Dr Ian Cumming, a consultant psychiatrist, told jurors at Brighton Law Courts five psychiatrists had carried out reports on Martin and there was "uncertainty about the defence of diminished responsibility".

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2025

The suspect "has been suffering from a mental illness for many years" and "it cannot be ruled out that he had diminished responsibility at the time of the offence", they said.

From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025

"It's amazing how someone that can plead diminished responsibility then can think as clearly as that."

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2025

In the opinion of Dr. Satten and his colleagues, Andrews’ crime amounted to such an undebatable example of diminished responsibility that the case offered an ideal chance to challenge the M’Naghten Rule in Kansas courts.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote