Dowds v R

Dowds v R

Voluntary acute intoxication, whether from alcohol or other substances, is not capable of founding the partial defence of diminished responsibility under section 2 of the Homicide Act 1957 as amended. The legislative history, statutory language, and established legal principles confirm that the law remains unchanged in this respect.

Parties
Appellant: Stephen Andrew Dowds; Respondent: The Queen
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
22 February 2012
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal From Conviction for Murder
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Diminished Responsibility, Voluntary Intoxication, Murder, Manslaughter, Statutory Interpretation
Criminal Law Diminished Responsibility Voluntary Intoxication Murder Manslaughter Statutory Interpretation

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 20 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Stephen Andrew Dowds

Appellant

The Queen

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal From Conviction for Murder

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether acute voluntary intoxication is capable of founding the partial defence of diminished responsibility under section 2 of the Homicide Act 1957 as amended by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009

Ratio Decidendi

Voluntary acute intoxication, whether from alcohol or other substances, is not capable of founding the partial defence of diminished responsibility under section 2 of the Homicide Act 1957 as amended. The legislative history, statutory language, and established legal principles confirm that the law remains unchanged in this respect.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Appeal dismissed.