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

---

Example Sentences

However, following psychiatric reports, Calocane ultimately pleaded guilty to three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and three counts of attempted murder.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

He said two psychiatrists who assessed Calocane had "very little difference" between their conclusions that a partial defence of manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility existed.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Carey told the inquiry four psychiatrists agreed that Calocane's mental health meant that the partial defence of diminished responsibility was available to him.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

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

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