Despondency
/dɪˈspɒndənsi/
Definitions
- (n.) A state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage, relevant in assessing witness credibility or mental state in legal contexts.
The defendant's despondency after the verdict affected his testimony in the appeal hearing.
Forms
- despondency
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal drafting and analysis, references to despondency often concern a party's or witness's mental state, which may influence credibility assessments or claims related to emotional distress.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.