noun
diminished capacity; diminished responsibility
Legal term for a state where mental capacity is significantly reduced, often due to mental illness, intoxication, or other factors, making a person less accountable for their actions. Used in criminal law contexts.
心神耗弱が認められ、刑が減軽された。
Diminished capacity was recognized, and the sentence was reduced.
心神耗弱の状態で犯行に及んだと弁護側は主張した。
The defense argued that the crime was committed in a state of diminished responsibility.