Defenses: Automatism

Question 1

Automatism

Answer 1

Where D acts involuntarily as a result of an external factor which was not their fault.

Question 2

Successfully using defense of automatism leads to:

Answer 2

Full acquittal or finding of insanity.

Question 3

Test for Automatism:

Answer 3

D must show:

• Complete loss of voluntary control
• Caused by external factor
• That was not his fault

AG’s Ref (No.2 of 1992)

Question 4

Examples of external factors:

Answer 4

Hypoglycemic diabetes - Quick
Post Traumatic Stress - R v T
Brain Tumor - Charlson