Automatism

Question 1

Definition of automatism

Answer 1

State of total blackout

Not conscious of their actions and not in control of them

Question 2

R v Cottle

Answer 2

Doing something without knowledge of it and without memory afterwards of having done it.

A temporary eclipse of consciousness that leaves the person so affected unable to exercise bodily movements

Question 3

Culpability (Automatism)

Answer 3

Actions are involuntary. No criminal liability for such conduct.

Question 5

Causes of automatism

Answer 5

Concussion, sleepwalking, brain tumour, epilepsy, consumption of alcohol or drugs

Voluntary intake of alcohol or drugs-court may be reluctant to accept actions were involuntary

Question 6

Sane automatism

Answer 6

Sleepwalk, blow to the head, effects of drugs

Question 7

Insane automatism

Answer 7

Result of mental disease

Question 8

Application in New Zealand Court

Answer 8

Self induced intoxication can lead to automatism if evidence is sufficiently strong to support the defence