irresistible impulse test

Main Entry: irresistible impulse test
Function: noun
: a test used in some jurisdictions when considering an insanity defense that involves a determination of whether an impulse to commit a criminal act was irresistible due to mental disease or defect regardless of whether the defendant knew right from wrong —compare DIMINISHED CAPACITY, DURHAM RULE, M'NAGHTEN TEST, SUBSTANTIAL CAPACITY TEST