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Homicide Act 1957

United Kingdom legislation / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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The Homicide Act 1957 (5 & 6 Eliz.2 c.11) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It was enacted as a partial reform of the common law offence of murder in English law by abolishing the doctrine of constructive malice (except in limited circumstances), reforming the partial defence of provocation, and by introducing the partial defences of diminished responsibility and suicide pact. It restricted the use of the death penalty for murder.

Quick facts: Long title, Citation, Dates, Royal assent, Co...
Homicide Act 1957
Royal_Coat_of_Arms_of_the_United_Kingdom_%28HM_Government%29.svg
Long titleAn Act to make for England and Wales (and for courts-martial wherever sitting) amendments of the law relating to homicide and the trial and punishment of murder, and for Scotland amendments of the law relating to the trial and punishment of murder and attempts to murder.
Citation5 & 6 Eliz.2 c.11
Dates
Royal assent21 March 1957
Commencement21 March 1957[1]
Status: Amended
Text of the Homicide Act 1957 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.
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Similar provisions to Part I of this Act was enacted for Northern Ireland by Part II of the Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 1966.