Synonyms

diminished responsibility

British

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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

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

Isaacs, 39, who moved from Botswana to the East Lothian town, had claimed diminished responsibility but was found guilty last month.

From BBC

Diminished responsibility is a partial defence to murder.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023