Irresistible Impulse Test
One formulation of the insanity defense. Under this test, the defendant will be found not guilty by reason of insanity if they can show that as a result of mental disease or defect, they could not resist the impulse to commit the crime of which they are accused, due to an inability to control their actions.
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
A seldom-used test for criminal insanity that labels the person insane if he could not control his actions when committing the crime, even though he knew his actions were wrong.
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:18 pm
