Criminal Law

Model Penal Code Test

The Model Penal Code's "substantial capacity" test includes the irresistible impulse test (and therefore the M'Naghten Test), but further broadens the doctrine by allowing the insanity defence when a criminal retained some capability to under or control his criminal behavior.

This test only requires that a defendant lack the substantial capacity to appreciate the criminal of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law.