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diminished responsibility

a form of affirmative defense in which evidence of mental abnormality is presented to mitigate or reduce a defendant’s accountability for an act. It is distinct from an insanity defense, which takes an all-or-none perspective with regard to criminal responsibility. Also called limited responsibility. See also partial insanity.

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Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

equal opportunity

equal opportunity

under U.S. federal law, the principle that all individuals should have the opportunity to find employment and to succeed in their jobs regardless of race, age, color, religion, sex, disability, and national origin. The principle of equal opportunity also applies to education, health care, and social and other services, and in some states and municipalities, it has been extended to include sexual orientation. See also affirmative action; Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Americans With Disabilities Act; four-fifths rule; reverse discrimination; Uniform Guidelines for Employee Selection Procedures.