Unconsciousness

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.

Jurisprudence

In jurisprudence, unconsciousness is a possible defense by excuse; via which, a defendant may argue that they should not be held criminally liable for actionss 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.