This is one of the worst, most idiotic and poorly thought out sentences I’ve ever seen in journalism. One of the only reasons people plead guilty if they’re not is because of a plea deal. If the prosecution has enough evidence to convict, they might offer a plea deal to save time, and the defendant’s lawyer would recommend they take it if the evidence was strong enough. Admitting personal guilt to yourself is *completely* outside and independent of this process, a fact so obvious that even though I agree on every other point, I can’t help but seriously question this writer’s qualifications.

That being said, I agree with everything else. Even spouses 100% need to have consent every time, whether it’s given at the time or at some point prior. If your spouse is ok with you having sex with them while they’re asleep, regularly reaffirming this consent is the absolute least that should happen.