The Substantial Capacity Test requires which condition?

The Substantial Capacity Test requires which condition?

• A. Lacks substantial capacity to know right from wrong
• B. Lacks total capacity to know right from wrong
• C. Lacks substantial capacity to know the act was wrong (but not total)
• D. The act was committed under irresistible impulse

Answer: (C)

The Substantial Capacity Test focuses on whether, because of a mental disease or defect, a person lacks substantial capacity to either appreciate the criminality of their conduct or to conform their conduct to the law. The correct option fits this by saying the person lacks substantial capacity to know the act was wrong, but not total—that is, there’s a partial impairment in recognizing wrongfulness, which aligns with the “appreciate criminality” prong of the test. The other ideas describe either a broader knowledge of right and wrong (a different standard), total incapacity (not required by this test), or an impulse-control issue (a separate defense).

The Substantial Capacity Test focuses on whether, because of a mental disease or defect, a person lacks substantial capacity to either appreciate the criminality of their conduct or to conform their conduct to the law. The correct option fits this by saying the person lacks substantial capacity to know the act was wrong, but not total—that is, there’s a partial impairment in recognizing wrongfulness, which aligns with the “appreciate criminality” prong of the test. The other ideas describe either a broader knowledge of right and wrong (a different standard), total incapacity (not required by this test), or an impulse-control issue (a separate defense).