Autonatism

Question 1

What is Automatism?

Answer 1

Available where the act committed was a)Involuntary and caused by external factor

Question 2

What is involuntary acts?

Answer 2

for example a reflex,spasm or convulsion
-must be total not reduced as partial

Question 3

What case is for involuntary acts?

Answer 3

Broome v Perkins-Defence not available as D still had potential control of their action

Question 4

What is caused of automatism must be external?

Answer 4

example a blow to head (concussion),hypnotism or effect of drug.
-Can’t be self induced like taking drugs
-Cases of diabetes,hypoglycaemia will attract the defences but not hyperglycaemia (low blood sugar because of not taking too much insulin) is external

Question 5

What case for Caused of automatism must be external?

Answer 5

-R v Quick (1973)-Allowed D because he had hypoglycaemia