M'Naughten test is primarily used to determine which of the following?

• A. Insanity defense
• B. Competency to stand trial
• C. Volition or impulse control
• D. Habitual behavior

Answer: (A)

The M'Naughten test is a cognitive standard for criminal responsibility, focusing on whether, at the time of the act, the person was suffering from a mental disease that prevented them from understanding the nature and quality of the act or from knowing that what they were doing was wrong. If they lacked that understanding, they may be found not guilty by reason of insanity. This is why it’s used to determine the insanity defense. It centers on knowledge and awareness at the moment of the crime, not on present ability to participate in the trial or on the person’s ability to control their impulses. Competency to stand trial assesses current mental state and capacity to cooperate with counsel, while issues of volition or impulse control are addressed by other standards, not the M'Naughten rule.