What is considered 'automatism' in legal terms?

Automatism in legal terms refers to actions that occur without conscious control, meaning they are involuntary. This can manifest in various scenarios, such as actions taken during a state of unconsciousness or as a result of a reflex. In the context of criminal law, automatism can serve as a defense, indicating that the individual was not aware of their actions and therefore could not form the intention required for liability.

For instance, if someone were to commit an act while in a state of sleepwalking or as a result of a seizure, that individual would not have the mental capacity to control their actions or make a conscious decision, which aligns with the definition of automatism. This defense is significant because it addresses the distinction between voluntary and involuntary behavior, which is central to establishing culpability in criminal acts.

The other options represent conscious and intentional actions, which do not align with the concept of automatism. Therefore, option C accurately reflects the definition by emphasizing the involuntary nature of actions described as automatism.