reasons to get a lesser sentence

Question 1

diminished responsibility

Answer 1

if defendant can show mental condition reduced their ability to understand what they where doing or forming a rational judgment the judge can reduce conviction to manslaughter

Question 2

examples of diminished responsibility

Answer 2

SAD (seasonal affective disorder), greif, psychotic break, manic episode, bereavment, post-natal depression, mental health issues

Question 3

loss of control

Answer 3

partial defence that may reduce offence to manslaughter

Question 4

examples of loss of control

Answer 4

jealousy, rage, revenge, loss of emotional control, triggered via split second decision, ‘crime of passion

Question 5

automatism

Answer 5

if the defendant can show the act was involuntary they can plead to defence of automatism

Question 6

examples of automatism

Answer 6

sleepwalking, strong medication, no conciousness, doesn’t know what they where doing, schizofrenia or delusions