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diminished responsibility

NOUN
mitigating circumstances
Synonyms


Example Sentences

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Two years after Ellis's execution the law was also changed to allow a defence of diminished responsibility.

From Barron's Jul. 8, 2026

The suspect "has been suffering from a mental illness for many years" and "it cannot be ruled out that he had diminished responsibility at the time of the offence", they said.

From Barron's Oct. 31, 2025

"It's amazing how someone that can plead diminished responsibility then can think as clearly as that."

From BBC Oct. 25, 2025

The British public was already questioning whether capital punishment had a place in 20th Century society and, two years after Ellis' hanging, legal changes saw diminished responsibility introduced as a defence.

From BBC Oct. 22, 2025

In the opinion of Dr. Satten and his colleagues, Andrews’ crime amounted to such an undebatable example of diminished responsibility that the case offered an ideal chance to challenge the M’Naghten Rule in Kansas courts.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote




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