People v. Decina

(1956)

Defendant: Decina; the defendant was an epileptic and he had an epileptic seizure while he was driving and his car went out of control, killing four people. The defendant was charged with negligent homicide and now he appeals.

Issue: Can an epileptic person be held criminally liable if he voluntarily decides to drive an automobile when he knows of his illness?

Holding: Yes

Legal Reasoning: The court ruled that the defendant was extremely negligent in his decision to get behind the wheel. The court stated that the defendant can not use the argument that after his seizure he was not concious thus not liable for his actions. The court ruled that the defendant had committed the offense before passing out and that makes him criminally liable. The court used the example of a drunk person passing out while driving to support this reasoning. The conviction was affirmed.

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