intoxication defense

a defense that a crime was committed by a person who was intoxicated, which has been used to challenge a charge of criminal responsibility. If the intoxicant was taken involuntarily, it can negate criminal responsibility altogether. If the intoxicant was taken voluntarily, it may serve as a mitigating factor in reducing the penalty imposed, or it may be used to argue against premeditation in a first-degree murder charge. See diminished capacity.

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Psychology term of the day

February 25th 2025

urticaria

n. see hives.