irresistible impulse rule

formerly, a rule commonly used in U.S. courts of law for determining insanity, according to which defendants were judged to be insane and therefore absolved of criminal responsibility if they were unable to control their conduct, even if they were aware that it was wrong. This rule is no longer used.

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Psychology term of the day

February 25th 2025

uro- (ur-)

Sorry, "uro-ur" is not in the Dictionary of Psychology. Please report to APA if you believe this is an error.