Diminished Responsibility Assessment
Expert psychiatric assessment of diminished responsibility under section 52 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. Our forensic psychiatrists evaluate whether defendants meet the statutory criteria for the partial defence to murder, providing detailed analysis of abnormality of mental functioning.
When This Report Is Instructed
- Murder cases where diminished responsibility may be raised as a defence
- Cases where the defendant may have suffered from a recognised medical condition at the time
- Assessment of whether mental abnormality may have substantially impaired functioning
- Cases involving severe mental illness, personality disorder, or developmental disorder
- Appeals against murder convictions on psychiatric grounds
- Cases where the prosecution is considering accepting a manslaughter plea
What the Report Covers
- Comprehensive forensic psychiatric assessment
- Detailed review of prosecution evidence and circumstances of the offence
- Assessment of mental state at the time of the killing
- Identification of any recognised medical condition
- Evaluation of whether the condition caused abnormality of mental functioning
- Assessment of substantial impairment of ability to understand conduct
- Evaluation of substantial impairment of ability to form rational judgment
- Assessment of substantial impairment of ability to exercise self-control
- Opinion on whether the abnormality provides an explanation for the killing
- Consideration of intoxication and its interaction with mental disorder
The report provides independent expert psychiatric opinion to assist the court or tribunal and does not determine liability, findings of fact, or legal outcomes.
Expert Standards
Duty to the Court
Independent, objective opinion uninfluenced by the instructing party.
CPR Part 35 Compliance
Full compliance with CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction.
Statement of Truth
Expert declaration and Statement of Truth included.
This applies equally to claimant, defendant, and single joint expert instructions.
How to Instruct
Send your instruction
Email instruct@psychiatric.report with your letter of instruction, relevant documents, medical records, and questions to address.
Assessment arranged
Assessment arranged remotely or at a suitable location, as required by the instruction.
Draft report issued
Draft report provided for review. Part 35 questions and addenda addressed as applicable.
Final report delivered
Final report with CPR declarations. Court attendance available if required.
Practicalities
Turnaround
4–6 weeks standard; expedited available subject to availability
Indicative Fee
£2,000–£3,000
Subject to complexity and records volume
Additional work: Part 35 questions, addenda, joint statements, and court attendance are available where required. Fees for additional work are confirmed once scope is clear.
We typically respond within 1 working day.