Should sleepwalking be a valid defense for a crime as serious as murder? What about other kinds of crimes?

Beatriz L: Should sleepwalking be a valid defense for a crime as serious as murder? What about other kinds of crimes?
Should sleepwalking be a valid defense for a crime as serious as murder? What about other kinds of crimes?

Answers and Views:

Answer by K W
Not to long ago, a guy who drove and killed his parents was sleep walking. All of this was proven in court by expert testimony and he was found not guilty.

If in fact it can be proven, then yes, it should be a defense.

Answer by rickinnocal
One element of the crime of murder (and most other crimes) is “Mens Rea”, or guilty mind – it means you have to have to have meant to do something. If you were asleep, you had no criminal intent, and therefore did not intend the crime, and are not guilty.

Richard