Legal Aspects of Impulse Control Disorders

Jon E. Grant, Brian L. Odlaug

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Impulse control disorders present unique legal issues for the criminal justice system. These behaviors require that the courts differentiate an uncontrolled act from an uncontrollable act. Kleptomania is by definition a disorder linked to illegal behaviors, whereas pathological gambling and compulsive sexual behavior are two impulse control disorders that are often associated with illegal activities for some individuals. Can and should a psychiatric disorder be used as a defense for criminal responsibility? This chapter will discuss the legal aspects of certain impulse control disorders and how courts have struggled to understand these complex behaviors from the criminal justice perspective.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of Impulse Control Disorders
PublisherOxford University Press
ISBN (Electronic)9780199940431
ISBN (Print)9780195389715
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 18 2012

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Oxford University Press, 2014.

Copyright:
Copyright 2015 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Courts
  • Gambling
  • Impulse control
  • Insanity
  • Law
  • Legal
  • Shoplifting
  • Theft

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