Quote:
Originally posted by Free Thinkr
I was under the impression that criminal idifference is indeed a punisable offense. Can anyone help me out here? Given the hypothetical scenario of a child drowning in a pool while someone who can swim watches, I believe that person can be prosecuted.
|
Depends on the country or state. Most European countries do punish such an omission to act, if you could save the child without endangering yourself - not as murder, but with jail sentences (up to several years if the child actually dies).
Quote:
Now, let's say that a gunman robs a liquor store and no one tries to stop him. I don't believe that'd fit because they don't necessarily have the ability to stop the gunman.
|
But if you have the ability to stop a
felony without putting yourself into danger, you are guilty of a crime (IIANM, both in the US and Europe).
Quote:
God, if omnipotent, would always have the ability to stop suffering.
|
That's exactly the point. There is no "lack of ability" or "putting myself into danger" defense available to an omnipotent being.
Regards,
HRG.
04-25-2003, 02:40 AM
