Legal Definitions - sleepwalking defense

The sleepwalking defense is a legal argument used in criminal cases where an individual claims they committed an act while sleepwalking, and therefore should not be held criminally responsible. This defense asserts that the person was not conscious or in control of their actions at the time, lacking the necessary mental state (known as mens rea) required for a crime. It is a specific form of the broader legal concept known as automatism, which refers to actions performed without conscious thought or intention.

• Example 1: Property Damage

  Scenario: Michael, who has a documented history of sleepwalking, got out of bed one night, walked into his neighbor's yard, and began pulling up plants and knocking over garden ornaments. His neighbor, awakened by the commotion, found Michael in a trance-like state. When Michael woke up later, he had no memory of the incident.

  Illustration: If Michael were charged with vandalism or destruction of property, he could potentially raise a sleepwalking defense. He would argue that he was not consciously aware of his actions and did not intend to damage the property, as he was in a state of automatism due to sleepwalking.

• Example 2: Unintentional Driving

  Scenario: During a period of stress, Emily, a known sleepwalker, got out of bed, dressed, took her car keys, and drove her car a few blocks before coming to a stop in the middle of an intersection. She was found by police still in a dazed state, unaware of where she was or what she had done.

  Illustration: If Emily faced charges like reckless driving or obstructing traffic, her legal team could present a sleepwalking defense. They would contend that her actions behind the wheel were involuntary and unconscious, meaning she lacked the criminal intent or awareness typically required for such offenses.

• Example 3: Accidental Injury

  Scenario: While experiencing a vivid nightmare, Robert, a sleepwalker, physically struck his roommate who was sleeping in the adjacent bed, causing a minor bruise. Robert immediately woke up, distressed and confused, with no recollection of hitting anyone.

  Illustration: Should Robert's roommate press charges for assault, Robert could employ the sleepwalking defense. He would argue that his actions were not intentional but rather an involuntary physical manifestation of his sleepwalking state, demonstrating a lack of conscious intent to harm.