| 释义 |
infanticide
n. The killing of a child under 12 months old by his or her natural mother. If the mother can show that the balance of her mind was disturbed because of the effects of childbirth or lactation, she will be found guilty of infanticide, rather than murder, and punished as though she was guilty of manslaughter (Infanticide Act 1938 s 1). Most cases of infanticide are dealt with by probation or discharge. Following a report from the Law Commission in 2006, there have been repeated calls for the law to be reformed so that a defence of diminished responsibility is automatically available in such cases. |