Sleep disorders and criminal behavior

Behaviors that would otherwise be considered criminal acts, but occur in the context of a sleep disorder, pose challenges to the traditional application of legal principles of criminal responsibility. Determining the degree to which consciousness is present during such behaviors becomes a necessary...

Full description

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Behavioral sciences & the law Vol. 42; no. 3; pp. 176 - 185
Main Authors:	Watson, Clarence, Weiss, Kenneth J.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-05-2024
Subjects:	Behavior Context Criminal responsibility Criminality Criminology Culpability Legal defense parasomnias Sleep disorders Unconsciousness violence parasomnias sleep disorders criminal responsibility violence
Online Access:	Get full text
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!

Description
Summary:	Behaviors that would otherwise be considered criminal acts, but occur in the context of a sleep disorder, pose challenges to the traditional application of legal principles of criminal responsibility. Determining the degree to which consciousness is present during such behaviors becomes a necessary step in assigning criminal culpability. Historically, legal defense theories of unconsciousness, automatism, and insanity have been raised to negate culpability for parasomnia related behaviors. Accordingly, proper assessment of sleep disorders in the context of criminal charges becomes critical in assisting the functions of the justice system. This article reviews principles related to the legal tradition, expert assessment, and elements of expert testimony related to criminal behaviors and sleep disorders.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 ObjectType-Review-3 content type line 23
ISSN:	0735-3936 1099-0798 1099-0798
DOI:	10.1002/bsl.2652