Automatism is defined as involuntary action by physical body without consious awareness. Sleepwalking is an example of automatism. Internal forces like the effects of certain medication can cause automatism.

Dawn M. Ward has written:

'Tracing automatism' -- subject(s): American Painting, American literature, Automatism (Art movement), History and criticism, Painting, American

the creation of art without conscious control

subconscious

section 16 (2)

Actually, that's not quite correct. Section 16 deals with "insanity", and the defence of "not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder" ("NCRMD"). The word "automatism" refers to "non-insane" automatism, and is not found in the Code, but in the Common Law of Canada.

See details re s. 16 at http://www.bastionlaw.ca/-insanity.asp