In criminal law, diminished responsibility is a potential defense by excuse by which defendants argue that although they broke the law, they should not be held fully criminally liable for doing so, as their mental functions were "diminished" or impaired.
What does diminished responsibility mean in law?
diminished responsibility, legal doctrine that absolves an accused person of part of the liability for his criminal act if he suffers from such abnormality of mind as to substantially impair his responsibility in committing or being a party to an alleged violation.
What are the requirements for diminished responsibility?
In order to prove he was suffering from diminished responsibility a defendant must show:
- He was suffering from an abnormality of mental functioning;
- From a recognised medical condition;
- Which substantially impaired his ability to understand his conduct, form a rational judgment or exercise self-control;
