irresistible impulse

Irresistible impulse refers to a strong urge or compulsion to act in a way that one knows is wrong or harmful. In legal and psychological contexts, it describes a situation where a person cannot control their actions due to overwhelming feelings or mental health issues, even if they understand the consequences. This concept often arises in discussions about criminal behavior, where individuals may argue that they were unable to resist their impulses at the time of the offense, potentially affecting their responsibility and culpability.