The "Red Haze" of rage

[TXlib]

Has anybody here experienced this, where you literally see red, the blood is pumping in your ears, you get tunnel vision, the rage courses through you like a lightning bolt electrifying your skin, and your only thought is a primal "CRUSH MAIM DESTROY"?

I've felt this before, and every time, I was always able to listen to that little voice in the back of my head that said to relax and calm down. But having felt this level of anger, having peered over the brink of murderous intent, and still having possessed the self-control to take a step back, I don't understand why some people manage to give in to it. The idea of using rage as a criminal defence seems laughable to me. Is such a defence really used, or is it only in shows like Law & Order that they bring it up?

[Droopy]

1. I think that defense only exists in tv land

I've been that angry before, but like you I've backed away.

[TXlib]

2. I certainly hope it only exists in TV land

Having experienced rage myself, I can say it is no excuse for commiting a violent act.

[AngryAmish]

3. Rage is a mitigating factor

Turns murder into manslaughter. For example, if you walk in the back door of your house, see a loved one dead, then walk to the front of the house and see the killer 20 yards away leaving the premises, if you pick up a gun and shoot her in the back it is an unjustfied killing. But because of the provocation, it is manslaughter not murder.

BTW, red haze exists and much fun to act on (short of killing).