Abetting someone in the commission of a crime is already a crime. Why do they need new kinds of "manslaughter"? So that they can use them in the future to prosecute and imprison people who have really done nothing wrong?
This is tough! His parents DO have some responsibility for his actions, but a manslaughter charge is too far. Maybe contributing to the delinquency of a minor for providing him with the gun would be more appropriate? Dereliction of duty for failing to acknowledge his mental state? This is a slippery slope.
The only thing I would have added to this article is the legal elements of manslaughter. The only reason why I would have added it is Michigan’s law is extremely unique in that you don’t have to “aid and abetting” to be charged, you can just be grossly negligent. I think that would have cleared up a lot of people’s confusion about this case.
If the jurisdiction, state or federal, had a law requiring safe storage and/ or trigger locks, it would make the assessment of parental culpability somewhat less arbitrary.
It reminds me of Nikki Haley's mental competency tests. 18 months ago she was saying that and the right cheered. Last Saturday on SNL she used it against Trump. Moral of the story, when you give the government power it WILL come back around against you.
I fully support holding parents like this criminally accountable; the details like what crime it's appropriate to charge them with aren't quite as important.
Abetting someone in the commission of a crime is already a crime. Why do they need new kinds of "manslaughter"? So that they can use them in the future to prosecute and imprison people who have really done nothing wrong?
To further weapon8ze the justice system, imo.
Good answer!
This is tough! His parents DO have some responsibility for his actions, but a manslaughter charge is too far. Maybe contributing to the delinquency of a minor for providing him with the gun would be more appropriate? Dereliction of duty for failing to acknowledge his mental state? This is a slippery slope.
excellent presentation of the complete story with opposing views. This is a tough one. Bad facts often result in bad law.
The only thing I would have added to this article is the legal elements of manslaughter. The only reason why I would have added it is Michigan’s law is extremely unique in that you don’t have to “aid and abetting” to be charged, you can just be grossly negligent. I think that would have cleared up a lot of people’s confusion about this case.
Great job. Just wanted to add some feedback.
If the jurisdiction, state or federal, had a law requiring safe storage and/ or trigger locks, it would make the assessment of parental culpability somewhat less arbitrary.
Another in the countless list of things in our society where an attempt to do something righteous opens Pandora's Box.
Heart says hopefully not. Brain says probably so.
Good job presenting both sides, allowing readers to form their own opinions.
ZL
It reminds me of Nikki Haley's mental competency tests. 18 months ago she was saying that and the right cheered. Last Saturday on SNL she used it against Trump. Moral of the story, when you give the government power it WILL come back around against you.
I fully support holding parents like this criminally accountable; the details like what crime it's appropriate to charge them with aren't quite as important.