| Case 8.1 The Drowning Girl: Allen, Betty, Chin and Doris see Jill drowning in a lake, but none of them takes steps to save her. Allen is the girl's father. Betty deliberately pushed the girl into the lake by shoving Chin against Jill. Doris, a medal-winning swimmer, just stands and watches. Would any of the four be criminally liable for Jill's drowning? Should any of them be liable? Explain your answer Case 9.4 The Dying Cancer Patient: Wilfred, age 75, has been suffering from cancer for 10 years, and the pain has become worse and worse. The doctors say there is no treatment to either slow down the cancer's growth or substantially reduce the pain. Wilfred asks his wife, Martha, to relieve him of the terrible pain by bringing hi a bottle of pills that would help him end his life. Martha, who cannot stand watching Wilfred suffer anymore, gives him the pills. He swallows them all and dies. a. Was Wilfred's request related to suicide? Explain b. If you were the district attorney in the state where Martha live, would you file criminal charges against her? Explain c. If manslaughter charges were filed and you were on the jury, would you vote convict Martha? Give your reasons? d. If Martha were convicted, what sentence should she receive? Why? e. If the bottle of pills had been given to Wilfred by a physician, instead of by his wife, would your answers have been different? Give your reasons. . |