This term is applied to such an interposition of human agency, as is, from its nature and power, absolutely uncontrollable; as the inroads of a hostile army. Story on Bailm. 25; Lois des Batim. pt. 2. c. 2, 1. It differs from inevitable accident; the latter being the effect of physical causes, as, lightning, storms, and the like. … [Read more...]

rhetoric. A term derived from the Greek, which signifies dissimulation. It is a refined species of ridicule, which, under the mask of honest simplicity or ignorance, exposes the faults and errors of others, by seeming to adopt or defend them. 2. In libels, irony may convey imputations more effectually than direct assertion, and render the publication libelous. … [Read more...]

Used chiefly in criminal law, this term means an impulse to commit an unlawful or criminal act which cannot be resisted or overcome by the patient because insanity or mental disease has destroyed the freedom of his will and his power of self-control and of choice as to his actions. See McCarty v. Com., 114 Ky. 620, 71 S. W. 058; State v. Knight, 95 Me. 467, 50 Atl. 276, 55 L. … [Read more...]

Divorce term usually used in states that accept it as a ground for no-fault divorce. Essentially the party cites that the parties have discovered too many differences to make maintaining a marital relationship practical. … [Read more...]

A criminal test which determines whether a person may be considered criminally insane if the person could not control their actions in the commission of the crime while knowing that the actions performed were wrong. The impulse to commit the crime is irresistible to the criminal defendant and he or she is unable to control him or herself. … [Read more...]