Principle

CRIMINAL LAW – Defences – Automatism – Act Occurring Independently of the Will – Involuntary Act Not Punishable

Area of law
CRIMINAL LAW
Court
Supreme Court

An act occurring independently of the will (automatism) is not punishable. The will is not involved—the act is involuntary. Examples: spasms, reflex actions, convulsions, acts during concussion or sleepwalking. The person has no control over their actions. The defence negates the mental element required for…

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