Partial defence

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In legal systems based on common law, a partial defence is a defence that does not completely absolve the defendant of guilt.^[1] A claim of self-defence, for example, may be a complete defence to a charge of murder, leading to an acquittal; or it may be a partial defence, which leads to conviction to a lesser verdict, such as manslaughter.

In England and Wales, successfully pleading a partial defence for murder may reduce the conviction to voluntary manslaughter. There are three types of partial defence - loss of control,^[2] diminished responsibility and suicide pact. These defences can only be applied to the charge of murder as per section 54 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.

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