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Simple English definitions for legal terms
involuntary
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A quick definition of involuntary:
Term: Involuntary
Definition: When something happens without a person meaning for it to happen, it is called involuntary. For example, if someone's body moves without them telling it to, that is involuntary. In law, involuntary can mean that someone did not mean to do something wrong, so they might not be punished for it. It can also mean that someone is forced to do something they don't want to do, like go to a hospital for mental health treatment.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: In law, "involuntary" means that a person did not have control or intent over their actions or circumstances.
For example:
- Involuntary acts: These are actions that happen automatically, without conscious control. Examples include reflexes or convulsions. If someone commits a crime due to an involuntary act, they may not be held responsible.
- Involuntary intoxication: This is when someone becomes intoxicated without intending to. For example, if they take prescription medication that unexpectedly causes intoxication, or if they are coerced into drinking alcohol. Involuntary intoxication may be a defense in criminal cases.
- Involuntary civil commitment: This is when someone is committed to a mental health unit against their will. This may happen if they are deemed a danger to themselves or others, even if they do not want to receive treatment.
These examples illustrate how "involuntary" refers to actions or circumstances that are beyond a person's control or intent. In each case, the person did not choose or plan to act in a certain way, but rather found themselves in a situation that they could not control.