Automatism

Question 1

What is the difference between insanity and automatism?

Answer 1

Automatism is non-insane and caused by an external factor/insanity is insane and internal factors

Question 2

Is automatism voluntary or involuntary?

Answer 2

Involuntary

Question 3

Quote from:

Bratty v A-G of Northern Ireland

Answer 3

Lord Denning - without any control by the mind e.g. reflex action, severe blows to head

“dissociative state” caused by extraordinary event

Question 4

R v T

Answer 4

Raped three days earlier, PTSD lead to dissociative state

Question 5

Broome v Perkins

Answer 5

hypoglycaemic state - able to exercise some voluntary control over movements - automatism not available

Question 6

Attorney Generals Ref (No.2 of 1992)

Answer 6

In trance-like state when driving does not amount to automatism - still aware

Question 7

When can you not plea self induced automatism?

Answer 7

If caused by alcohol or drugs

Question 8

R v Bailey

Answer 8

Self induced automatism can’t be reckless - diabetic should have eaten when sugar low

Question 9

R v Coley, McGhee and Harris

Answer 9

Automatism not available if induced involuntary behaviour (alcohol)

defence available if reaction to sedative unexpected

Question 10

R v Hardie

Answer 10

Automatism due to valium could rely on defence - did not understand the effects of the drugs