Voluntary Manslaughter
● When the defendant has murdered someone but their is a reason they shouldnt be guilty for murder
Made up of two partial defences (brings down your conviction then your sentence):
● Diminished responsibility
● Loss of control
The defendant can claim either of these partial defences if relevant- this reduces the murder conviction (changes from a
mandatory life sentence to a discretionary life sentence)
, Diminished responsibility
Defined in- S.2 HOMICIDE ACT 1957 amended by Coroners and Justice Act 2009
Defendant cannot be guilty of murder if they are suffering from a:
● An abnormality of mental functioning which arose from a recognised medical condition
● That substantially impaired D’s ability to understand the nature of his conduct or form a rational judgement
or exercise self control and
● Provided an explanation for D’s acts and omissions
● When the defendant has murdered someone but their is a reason they shouldnt be guilty for murder
Made up of two partial defences (brings down your conviction then your sentence):
● Diminished responsibility
● Loss of control
The defendant can claim either of these partial defences if relevant- this reduces the murder conviction (changes from a
mandatory life sentence to a discretionary life sentence)
, Diminished responsibility
Defined in- S.2 HOMICIDE ACT 1957 amended by Coroners and Justice Act 2009
Defendant cannot be guilty of murder if they are suffering from a:
● An abnormality of mental functioning which arose from a recognised medical condition
● That substantially impaired D’s ability to understand the nature of his conduct or form a rational judgement
or exercise self control and
● Provided an explanation for D’s acts and omissions
