If you kill someone in your sleep, are you a murderer? When is sleepwalking a defence? Matthew Blake investigates the mysterious phenomenon of sleep murder (The next insanity defense)

The Guardian ^ | March 2, 2024 | Matthew Blake

[Tom Tetroxide]

"(The next insanity defense)"

I am really hoping for the following defense instead.

[Psalm 73]

Sonds like a great Perry Mason episode.

[eastforker]

What about alcohol induced blackout.Or even driving induced hypnosis. Both are real and in both incidences no memory of actions.

[AndyTheBear]

Could Biiden use this as a defense for what he’s done in office?

[DoodleBob]

“That’s right, he signed the bill in his sleep. ”

[MayflowerMadam]

I recall one guy DRIVING to his in-laws’ house and murdering his MIL in his sleep. I think he was not convicted.

[trebb]

“This is utter BS. No way this is that common. No way.”

I agree - the closest I ever came to “sleepwalking” was to operate while in a alcoholic blackout - quitting booze solved that problem....

[bgill]

I don’t know anyone who walks in their sleep. That would likely come up in conversation one day.

[x]

“around 22% of us sleepwalk”

Maybe in Britain, but not here.

[scrabblehack]

Hmm...far more believable...with wet dreams and all.