In 18th-century England, murderers could ask for a lesser sentence by
claiming a full moon made them act erratic.

The moon, particularly the full moon, does not cause erratic behavior,
according to scientists. Throughout history odd behaviors and superstitions
have been associated with full moons. Murderers in 18th-century England
could be given a lesser sentence by claiming the full moon had caused their
behavior. Astronomers and psychologists studying the effects of human
behavior and the full moons have found that the moon is completely
unrelated to events such as crimes and psychiatric problems.