Abstract
The partial defence of loss of control, as set out in s. 54 and s. 55 Coroners and Justice Act 2009 makes clear that those fearing violence will be partially exculpated from the harsh mandatory life sentence a murder conviction mandates, while a killing out of sexually jealousy will not. What is less clear is which other circumstances, and emotions, will be included under the umbrella of the two qualifying triggers to the partial defence. This article considers if honour killings in particular will be able to achieve a successful loss of control plea, and a missed opportunity to have such cases excluded expressly by the wording of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.
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