What is the criteria according to the Durham Test for a defendant's acquittal?

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The Durham Test focuses on the relationship between a defendant's mental state and their behavior at the time of committing the crime. According to this test, for a defendant to be acquitted, it must be shown that the crime was a product of a mental disease or defect. This means that their mental disorder significantly influenced or caused their criminal behavior, which is a key aspect of assessing criminal responsibility.

The significance of this criterion lies in its understanding of how mental health impacts a person's ability to distinguish right from wrong or appreciate the nature of their actions. If the defendant’s unlawful act is deemed the result of such a mental condition, then they may not be held criminally responsible for that act.

The other options do not align with the Durham Test's criteria. The mention of involuntariness may refer to a different standard for acquittal, such as in cases of automatism. Adequate representation pertains to the defendant's legal rights but does not directly relate to the mental state required for acquittal under the Durham standard. Lastly, prior offenses might be relevant in assessing a defendant's criminal history but do not factor into the determinations of mental disease or defect that the Durham Test specifically examines.

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