When someone commits murder, there are two key partial defences... Show more
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0
D๐ซก
16/12/2025
Law
Voluntary manslaughter
93
โข
16 Dec 2025
โข
Understanding Voluntary Manslaughter
D๐ซก
@academia_21
Loss of Control Defence
Loss of control replaced the old provocation defence and requires three essential elements under sections 54-55 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. Think of it as the law's way of recognising that sometimes people snap under extreme pressure.
The first element is a total loss of self-control. Cases like R v Jewell show that insufficient evidence won't cut it, and Mohammed confirms that simple temper or anger isn't enough. However, R v Ahinwalia established that the loss doesn't need to be sudden - it can build up over time.
The second element requires a qualifying trigger. This means either fear of serious violence from the victim, or things said/done that are extremely grave and seriously wrong. Sexual infidelity alone cannot be the trigger (R v Clinton), and revenge will automatically fail the test (R v Baillie).
Finally, there's an objective test where the jury decides if a reasonable person of the same sex and age would have acted similarly. The prosecution carries the burden of proof, and successful defendants face a maximum life sentence, though judges often show more leniency.
Key Point: Loss of control recognises human breaking points, but the law sets strict boundaries on what qualifies as acceptable triggers.
Diminished Responsibility Defence
Diminished responsibility under section 52 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 focuses on mental abnormalities that significantly affect a defendant's thinking or behaviour. This defence acknowledges that mental health issues can fundamentally change how someone processes situations.
The first requirement is that the abnormality must arise from a recognised medical condition. This includes WHO-recognised disorders like anxiety, depression, or even physical conditions like diabetes that affect mental functioning (R v Byrne involved sexual psychopathy).
The abnormality must substantially impair the defendant's ability to understand their conduct, exercise self-control, or form rational judgement. R v Lloyd clarified that 'substantial' means more than trivial but less than total - it's somewhere in the middle ground that juries must evaluate.
Most importantly, there must be a causal connection between the mental abnormality and the killing. The defendant's mental state must actually explain why they committed the act. Unlike loss of control, the defendant must prove this defence, though successful cases still carry maximum life sentences with more individualised approaches to sentencing.
Key Point: Diminished responsibility requires clear medical evidence and proof that mental abnormality directly caused the defendant's actions.
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
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iOS user
Understanding Voluntary Manslaughter
D๐ซก
@academia_21
When someone commits murder, there are two key partial defences that can reduce the charge to voluntary manslaughter: loss of control and diminished responsibility. Both defences acknowledge that whilst the defendant killed someone, there were exceptional circumstances that make them... Show more
Loss of Control Defence
Loss of control replaced the old provocation defence and requires three essential elements under sections 54-55 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. Think of it as the law's way of recognising that sometimes people snap under extreme pressure.
The first element is a total loss of self-control. Cases like R v Jewell show that insufficient evidence won't cut it, and Mohammed confirms that simple temper or anger isn't enough. However, R v Ahinwalia established that the loss doesn't need to be sudden - it can build up over time.
The second element requires a qualifying trigger. This means either fear of serious violence from the victim, or things said/done that are extremely grave and seriously wrong. Sexual infidelity alone cannot be the trigger (R v Clinton), and revenge will automatically fail the test (R v Baillie).
Finally, there's an objective test where the jury decides if a reasonable person of the same sex and age would have acted similarly. The prosecution carries the burden of proof, and successful defendants face a maximum life sentence, though judges often show more leniency.
Key Point: Loss of control recognises human breaking points, but the law sets strict boundaries on what qualifies as acceptable triggers.
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Diminished Responsibility Defence
Diminished responsibility under section 52 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 focuses on mental abnormalities that significantly affect a defendant's thinking or behaviour. This defence acknowledges that mental health issues can fundamentally change how someone processes situations.
The first requirement is that the abnormality must arise from a recognised medical condition. This includes WHO-recognised disorders like anxiety, depression, or even physical conditions like diabetes that affect mental functioning (R v Byrne involved sexual psychopathy).
The abnormality must substantially impair the defendant's ability to understand their conduct, exercise self-control, or form rational judgement. R v Lloyd clarified that 'substantial' means more than trivial but less than total - it's somewhere in the middle ground that juries must evaluate.
Most importantly, there must be a causal connection between the mental abnormality and the killing. The defendant's mental state must actually explain why they committed the act. Unlike loss of control, the defendant must prove this defence, though successful cases still carry maximum life sentences with more individualised approaches to sentencing.
Key Point: Diminished responsibility requires clear medical evidence and proof that mental abnormality directly caused the defendant's actions.
We thought youโd never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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Most popular content in Law
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English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us โ and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user