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automatism  

Definition

  • Automatism is an excuse defense against criminal liability for defendants who committed a presumptively criminal act in a state of unconsciousness, semiconsciousness, or unawareness. Medically, the term automatism refers to motor behavior that is automatic, undirected, and not consciously controlled. [Source: Encyclopedia of Psychology and Law; Automatism]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/automatism

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