diminished capacity

An impaired mental condition — short of insanity — that is caused by intoxication, trauma, or disease and that prevents a person from having the mental state necessary to be held responsible for a crime.

• In some jurisdictions, a defendant’s diminished capacity can be used to determine the degree of the offense or the severity of the punishment.

— Also termed diminished responsibility. Cf. INSANITY. [Cases: Criminal Law 46; Homicide 816. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 96–98, 113.]

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词条贡献者

法律翻译William，毕业于法国一流的高级翻译学院，擅长翻译有关农业和食品领域的法律文件。