“He either willfully chose to ignore them, or he lacked sufficient volitional control to calm himself enough to avoid acting out violently. Either way, his actions were cold, premeditated and lethally violent.”

By around age 6 months, sucking has largely transitioned to a volitional action, as a result of greater involvement by the cerebral cortex.

The guide defined homicide as a death resulting “from a volitional act committed by another person,” emphasizing that it does not imply criminal intent.

A planned frolic that features joyful dancing to the compulsive rhythms of a string band forgets that the conditions behind this festivity aren’t volitional.

In other chapters, though, race appears to have a more volitional hue, and people are “black by choice with a recognized right of resignation.”