Legal Definitions - impulse

Definition: A sudden urge or inclination that leads to an unplanned action. It can be an uncontrollable impulse, which is an impulse so strong that it cannot be resisted. In some cases, an uncontrollable impulse can be used as a defense in criminal conduct.

Example: If someone suddenly feels the urge to buy something they don't need and can't afford, that's an impulse. If they can't resist the urge and end up buying it anyway, that's an uncontrollable impulse.

Explanation: The example illustrates how an impulse can lead to an unplanned action. In this case, the person had the sudden urge to buy something, which prompted them to take action. The uncontrollable impulse shows that the person was unable to resist the urge, which led to an action they may not have taken otherwise.