An act which is not consciously controlled by the mind or over which a person has no control, such as reflexes or convulsions. Also referred to as involuntary conduct.
In criminal law, involuntary actions may absolve the actor of liability. In some jurisdictions, actions which are coerced are considered voluntary; however, defenses such as duress may still be available. In other jurisdictions, coercion will negate the voluntariness of the act and the act will be considered involuntary.
[Last updated in June of 2020 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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