Irresistible Urge
/ɪrɪˈzɪstəbl ɜrdʒ/
Definitions
- (n.) A compelling impulse to act that a person cannot resist, often used in criminal law contexts to explain involuntary or uncontrollable behavior.
The defendant claimed an irresistible urge compelled him to commit the act, which influenced the court's evaluation of criminal intent.
Related terms
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Commentary
Typically arises in contexts involving volitional capacity and criminal responsibility; important in assessing whether an act was voluntary or the result of uncontrollable impulse.
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.