Involuntary
/ɪnˈvɒlənˌtɛri/
Definitions
- (adj.) Done without will or conscious control; unintentional.
The defendant's action was deemed involuntary, lacking intent.
- (adj.) Compulsory or against one's wishes, especially in legal contexts such as involuntary manslaughter or involuntary servitude.
The court addressed the issue of involuntary servitude in the contract.
Related terms
Commentary
Often contrasted with "voluntary" in legal definitions; precision is important to distinguish intent versus compulsion.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.