New York legal term
Voluntary act in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Voluntary act” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.
What does “Voluntary act” mean in New York criminal law?
"Voluntary act" means a bodily movement performed consciously as a result of effort or determination, and includes the possession of property if the actor was aware of his physical possession or control thereof for a sufficient period to have been able to terminate it. 3. (N.Y. Penal Law § 15.00)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.