Partial defence

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 United Kingdom law, successfully pleading a partial defence for murder may reduce the conviction to voluntary manslaughter. There are three types of partial defence in the United Kingdom - 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.