Automatism

1. Total Loss of Voluntary Control

Automatism is either a) an act done by the muscles with no control by the mind, e.g. a spasm, or b) an act done by a person not conscious about what he is doing

There must be a total loss of control. Partial loss is insufficient.

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2. External Cause

The cause must be external

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Self-Inducement

Where automatism is induced through drugs, the relevant defence is intoxication

Where automatism is self-induced through appropriate action but with unanticipated consequences, D can rely on the defence.

Where automatism is self-induced through recklessness (D knew failure to e.g. take insulin could lead to automatic state but failed to do anything), the defence fails for basic intent crimes. The defence is still available for specific intent crimes.