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

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

Alice Mackey, 42, of Oakhanger, was in a state of "diminished responsibility" at the time according to two psychiatrists, Winchester Crown Court was told.

From BBC • Jul. 28, 2025

Calocane was sentenced to a hospital order in January 2024 after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2025

The court heard that she was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and therefore entered the pleas on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 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