diminished responsibility

• What is diminished responsibility in legal terms?

  It refers to an abnormality of mental functioning, caused by a recognised medical condition
• What causes an abnormality of mental functioning?

  It is caused by a recognised medical condition.
• How does diminished responsibility affect a defendant's understanding of their actions?

  It causes the defendant to not understand the nature of their conduct
• What abilities are impaired due to diminished responsibility?

  It impairs the ability to exercise self-control or form rational judgment.
• What does the case of Dietschmann establish regarding intoxication?


  Intoxication doesn't affect the offence as long as it doesn't contribute to impairment.
• What does the case of Wood state about alcohol dependency syndrome?


  Intoxication from alcohol dependency syndrome is considered diminished responsibility.
• How is mental illness defined in the case of Wilcocks?


  Mental illness is considered an abnormality of mental functioning, such as schizophrenia.
• What is required for significant impairment according to Moyle?


  There must be significant impairment of mental functioning.
• What does Golds state about the level of impairment for diminished responsibility?


  The impairment must be more than trivial or minimal.
• What does S2 of the Homicide Act 1957 pertain to?


  It pertains to the definition of diminished responsibility.
• How was the Homicide Act 1957 amended?


  It was amended by S52 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.
• What are the key components of diminished responsibility?

  • Abnormality of mental functioning
  • Caused by a recognised medical condition
  • Impairs understanding the nature of their conduct, ability to excercise self-control, or form rational judgment
• How do the cases of Dietschmann, Wood, Wilcocks, Moyle, and Golds contribute to the understanding of diminished responsibility?

  • Dietschmann: Intoxication must not contribute to impairment
  • Wood: Alcohol dependency syndrome qualifies for diminished responsibility
  • Wilcocks: Mental illness is an abnormality of mental functioning
  • Moyle: Significant impairment is necessary
  • Golds: Impairment must be more than trivial/minimal