Voluntary

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Voluntary refers to actions that are done by free will, often in contrast to those that are compulsory or obligatory. In the context of biology, voluntary actions are those controlled by the somatic nervous system, which includes movements of the skeletal muscles. In law, voluntary actions are those undertaken by free choice, and have implications in areas such as contract law and criminal law.

Biology[edit | edit source]

In biology, voluntary actions are those that are consciously controlled by the brain. These actions are often associated with the somatic nervous system, which controls the skeletal muscles. Examples of voluntary actions include walking, running, and lifting objects. These actions are contrasted with involuntary actions, which are automatic and not under conscious control, such as the beating of the heart or the dilation of the pupils in response to light.

Law[edit | edit source]

In law, voluntary actions are those undertaken by free choice, without coercion or duress. This concept is important in several areas of law. In contract law, for example, a contract is only valid if it is entered into voluntarily by both parties. In criminal law, the concept of voluntariness is important in determining whether a person's actions were intentional or not, which can affect the severity of the punishment.

See also[edit | edit source]

Voluntary Resources
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