Unconsciousness is the absence of
consciousness. Unconsciousness normally only occurs during
sleep, and even then
dreaming may involve partial or full consciousness of dream events. Unconsciousness may also occur from a
concussion[?], during an
epileptic seizure, or as a result of some other medical condition (such as a
neurological dysfunction), and during
anaesthesia.
Unconsciousness is not the same thing as the unconscious mind, which is assumed to operate even whilst the individual is conscious.
In
jurisprudence, unconsciousness is a possible
defense by
excuse; via which, a
defendant may argue that they should not be held
criminally liable for
actions which broke the
law. Courts rarely consider "falling asleep" (especially while
driving or during
surgery) to be an acceptable defense; however incidents related to
epileptic seizure,
neurological dysfunctions and
sleepwalking may be considered acceptable.
See also: