Diminished responsibility

Question 1

What is diminished responsibility?

Answer 1

Under s52 of the coroners and justice act 2009, diminished responsibility is a special and partial defence to murder

Question 2

What Is an abnormality of mental functioning?

Answer 2

A state of mind that is so different from that of typical humans that a reasonable person would consider it abnormal ( R V Bryne)

Question 3

What is a recognised medial condition ?

Answer 3

Any condition that is recognised by the world health organisation
( R V Beaver- dementia)
( R V Potts- Depression)

Question 4

What are impairments and what is meant by substantial?

Answer 4

1. understand the nature ad quality of their act
2. form a rational judgment
3. exercise self control
   substantial is total but not trivial ( R V Lloyd)

Question 5

What are casual connections?

Answer 5

But for D’s abnormality of mental functioning would they of killed V?

Question 6

Intoxication and DR?

Answer 6

• NO amf and intoxicated = no DR
• AMf + intoxicated- DR will be available if despite the drink D’s amf substantially impaired his fatal acts