Legal Definitions - automatism

Automatism refers to actions or conduct performed by an individual without conscious will, purpose, or reasoned intention. It describes behavior carried out in a state of unconsciousness, mental dissociation, or without full awareness.

In legal contexts, automatism can be raised as a defense, particularly in criminal cases, to argue that the person did not voluntarily perform the act in question. This defense aims to negate the required mental state (or mens rea) for a crime, asserting that the individual's body moved without their mind directing it.

Here are some examples illustrating automatism:

• Example 1: A person, who has no prior knowledge of having a medical condition, experiences a sudden, unexpected epileptic seizure while holding a fragile item. During the seizure, their muscles spasm uncontrollably, causing them to inadvertently throw the item across the room, breaking it.

  Explanation: The act of throwing the item was not a conscious decision or intentional act by the individual. It was an involuntary physical manifestation of the seizure, during which they lacked conscious control over their body. This demonstrates automatism because the action occurred without their will or awareness.

• Example 2: An individual with diabetes experiences a severe and sudden drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). In this disoriented state, they wander into a store and pick up an item, placing it in their bag without paying, completely unaware of their surroundings or actions.

  Explanation: The act of taking the item without payment was not driven by an intent to steal but was a consequence of the severe medical episode that impaired their consciousness and ability to understand their actions. Their behavior was automatic, not a deliberate choice, thus illustrating automatism.