Legal Dictionary
Main Entry:
di·min·ished capacityPronunciation:
d&-'mi-nisht-Function:
noun 1 : an abnormal mental condition that renders a person unable to form the specific intent necessary for the commission of a crime (as first-degree murder) but that does not amount to insanity called also
diminished responsibility partial insanity —compare
INSANITY,
IRRESISTIBLE IMPULSE TEST,
M'NAGHTEN TEST,
SUBSTANTIAL CAPACITY TEST 2 a : a defense based on a claim of diminished capacity
b : the doctrine that diminished capacity may negate an element of a crime
NOTE: If diminished capacity is shown, negating an element of the crime with which a defendant is charged, the defendant can only be convicted of a lesser offense that does not include the element.
