_____ has been used as a successful defense in some murder trials.

• A. Experiencing night terrors
• B. Insomnia
• C. REM behavior disorder
• D. REM paralysis

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of REM behavior disorder. REM behavior disorder is a sleep disorder where individuals act out their dreams during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep due to a lack of muscle paralysis.
2. Step 2: Explore how REM behavior disorder can be used as a defense in murder trials. The disorder can lead to violent actions during sleep, which may be involuntary and not under the conscious control of the individual.
3. Step 3: Compare REM behavior disorder with other sleep-related conditions such as night terrors and insomnia. Night terrors involve intense fear during sleep but do not typically result in physical actions, while insomnia is characterized by difficulty in falling or staying asleep.
4. Step 4: Examine the legal implications of using REM behavior disorder as a defense. This involves understanding how the disorder can affect a person's ability to control their actions and the criteria for establishing a lack of intent due to the disorder.
5. Step 5: Review case studies or legal precedents where REM behavior disorder has been successfully used as a defense. This helps in understanding the application of psychological concepts in legal settings and the importance of expert testimony in such cases.