Automatism

Question 1

Define Automatism

Answer 1

A crime committed by an involuntary act caused by an external factor.

Question 2

What type of defence is Automatism?

Answer 2

A complete defence.

Question 3

What can Automatism also be called?

Answer 3

non-insane Automatism

Question 4

What did Lord Denning definer an ‘involuntary act’ as?

Answer 4

An act which is done by the muscles without ANY control of the mind.

Question 5

What must cause the automatism

Answer 5

an External factor e.g. taking drink/drugs (medical or non medical), Being hypnotised or a Hit on the Head.

Question 6

What is the case for an external factor?

Answer 6

Bailey.

Question 7

What is the ‘bonus rule’ of Automatism?

Answer 7

Self-Induced automatism. Where D has caused himself to be in a state of automatism.

Question 8

what is the case for self induced Automatism

Answer 8

Bailey. Self-induced automatism will only be a defence if D lacks the mens rea for the offence