Diminished capacity refers to a legal concept where an individual's mental ability to understand the nature of their actions is impaired. This can affect their ability to form intent or make rational decisions, often due to mental illness, developmental disabilities, or intoxication. In legal contexts, it may influence the outcome of criminal cases, particularly in determining culpability. In some jurisdictions, diminished capacity can serve as a defense in court, suggesting that the person was not fully responsible for their actions. This differs from insanity defenses, as it does not claim the individual was completely unable to understand right from wrong, but rather that their capacity was significantly reduced.