Automatism

Question 1

Bratty v A-G for Northern Ireland

Answer 1

No act is punishable if it is done involuntary act in this context- some people prefer to speak of it as automatism- means an act which is done by the muscles without any control by the mind such as spasm, a reflex action or convulsion; or an act done by a person which is not conscious of what he is doing, such as an act done whilst suffering from concussion, or whilst sleepwalking.

Question 2

Quick

Answer 2

Diabetic who failed to eat after taking insulin

Ratio: This was an external cause and so not insanity.

Question 3

Hennessy

Answer 3

Diabetic who took a car after failing to take insulin.

Ratio: if the disease affects the mind then it is within the definition of insanity.

Question 4

Rabey

Answer 4

During traumatic event threw rock at girlfriend, injuring her.
Ratio: the stress and mental fragility was not that of a extraordinary external event.

Question 5

R v. T

Answer 5

Suffered ptsd after being raped 3 days earlier, stabbed someone with a penknife.