automatism

• Bratty v AG for Northern Ireland


  Automatism is an act done by the muscles without control of the mind or an act done by a person who isn't conscious of what they are doing
• Hill v Baxter


  When external factors occur, the person's actions are not carried out voluntarily
• AGR (No.2 of 1992)


  There has to be a total loss of voluntary control for automatism
• R v Bailey


  Self-induced automatism can only be considered for specific intent offences
• R v Hardie


  Automatism can be considered if D wasn't reckless
• R v Cody


  Automatism cannot be used for voluntary intoxication
• Steps for automatism


  1. Is the cause of the automatism external to D?

  2. Did D have a total loss of voluntary control?

  3. Was the automatism self-induced?