AUTOMATISM

AUTOMATISM automatism (aw-tom-[schwa]-tiz-[schwa]m), n. 1. Action or conduct occurring without will, purpose, or reasoned intention, such as sleepwalking; behavior carried out in a state of unconsciousness or mental dissociation without full awareness. ? Automatism may be asserted as a defense to negate the requisite mental state of voluntariness for commission of a crime. [Cases: Criminal […]