involuntary conduct Conduct that cannot be controlled because one is suffering
from a physical or mental condition or is acting under *duress. Involuntary conduct
will often give rise to a defence of automatism, although it may not be a defence if
one is aware of one’s condition or induced it oneself. Sometimes conduct may be
regarded as involuntary if [...]
absence n. (in court procedure) The nonappearance of a party to litigation or a
person summoned to attend as a witness.