Intoxication

views updated Jun 27 2018

INTOXICATION

A state in which a person's normal capacity to act or reason is inhibited by alcohol or drugs.

Generally, an intoxicated person is incapable of acting as an ordinary prudent and cautious person would act under similar conditions. In recognition of this factor, the law may allow intoxication to be used as a defense to certain crimes. In many jurisdictions, intoxication is a defense to specific-intent crimes. The underlying rationale is that the intoxicated individual cannot possess the requisite mental state necessary to establish the offense.

Other jurisdictions recognize it as a defense to general-intent crimes as well. For example, although rape is commonly considered a general-intent crime, there are states in which extreme intoxication may be alleged as a defense. It is unlikely, however, that the defense will be successful in such cases absent proof that the defendant was so intoxicated that he or she could not form the intent to have intercourse.

In homicide cases, intoxication is relevant to negate premeditation and deliberation necessary for first-degree murder. When the defense is successfully interposed, it will reduce a charge of first-degree murder to second-degree murder.

When a person is forced to consume an intoxicant against his or her will, the person is involuntarily intoxicated. In most jurisdictions, the defense of involuntary intoxication is treated similarly to the insanity defense. For example, an intoxicated person who cannot distinguish right from wrong at the time of committing the wrongful act would have a valid defense.

intoxicate

views updated May 29 2018

in·tox·i·cate / inˈtäksikāt/ • v. [tr.] [usu. as adj.] (intoxicated) (of alcoholic drink or a drug) cause (someone) to lose control of their faculties or behavior. ∎  poison. ∎ fig. excite or exhilarate: the team was intoxicated by the prospect of another victorious season.DERIVATIVES: in·tox·i·ca·tion / -ˌtäksiˈkāshən/ n.

intoxicating

views updated May 29 2018

in·tox·i·cat·ing / inˈtäksikāting/ • adj. (of alcoholic drink or a drug) liable to cause intoxication. ∎ fig. exhilarating or exciting: the intoxicating touch of freedom.DERIVATIVES: in·tox·i·cat·ing·ly adv.

intoxicate

views updated Jun 08 2018

intoxicate †poison; stupefy with a drug or strong drink. XVI. f. pp. stem of medL. intoxicāre, f. IN-1 + L. toxicum poison; see TOXIC, -ATE3.
So intoxication XV. — F. oxmedL.

intoxication

views updated May 18 2018

intoxication Condition arising when the body is poisoned by any toxic substance, whether liquid, solid or gas. Symptoms vary according to the ingested substance. The term is most commonly used in connection with alcohol consumption.

intoxication

views updated Jun 11 2018

intoxication (in-toks-i-kay-shŏn) n. the symptoms of poisoning due to ingestion of any toxic material, including alcohol.