R v Camplin [1978] AC 705

Court: House of Lords

Facts: D, a 15-year-old boy, killed an older man who had sexually assaulted him. D claimed provocation, arguing that the man’s actions were extreme enough to cause a loss of self-control.

Held: the court affirmed that, under section 3 of the Homicide Act 1957, the jury had the authority to consider factors such as the accused's age and physical characteristics in assessing the seriousness of taunts and insults. In summary, the standard for loss of control should be based on the reactions of a person of the same age and sex as the defendant, not an ordinary person.

Key Judicial Statement: Lord Diplock emphasized, "The jury must consider the effect of the provocation on the defendant's mind, taking into account their age and sex, to determine if it was sufficient to cause a loss of self-control."