Editing Intoxication defense (section)

{{Short description|Legal defence of diminished responsibility}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2020}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{refimprove|date=February 2008}}
{{original research|date=February 2008}}
{{globalize|date=January 2011}}
}}

{{Criminal defenses}}

In [[criminal law]], the '''intoxication defense''' is a [[defense (legal)|defense]] by which a [[defendant]] may claim [[diminished responsibility]] on the basis of [[substance intoxication]]. Where a crime requires a certain mental state (''mens rea'') to break the law, those under the influence of an intoxicating substance may be considered to have reduced [[legal liability|liability]] for their actions. With regard to punishment, intoxication may be a [[mitigating factor]] that decreases a prison or jail sentence. Numerous factors affect the applicability of the defense.