A couple of years ago here in VA, a father of 8 (IIRC) was sent to jail because the youngest child was left in the family’s van after they returned home from church. Everyone thought someone else had brought the baby in, but she was, unfortunately, left in the car in the summer head and died.
All around tragedy but as noted elsewhere, what punishment is worse than losing your child because you made a stupid mistake? I’d make a terrible juror in a case like either of these, I just don’t think I could inflict further punishment on the parent or the family.
“I’d make a terrible juror in a case like either of these, I just don’t think I could inflict further punishment on the parent or the family.”
Not me. In your example, it was a van. Here in Houston, it is often a regular car. The kid is in the back seat so he doesn’t get decapitated in an accident.
If I were on the jury, and the family looked otherwise responsible, I know EXACTLY who I’d blame - Joan Claybrook - the Carter lady that forced airbags in cars. The (otherwise responsible) parents would ALWAYS get off, if they are ever fortunate enough to have me on the jury. I know full-well that their kid would have been in front seat, safe, and not forgotten, had it not been for her.
“I’d make a terrible juror in a case like either of these, I just don’t think I could inflict further punishment on the parent or the family.”
Actually I think you’d make an excellent juror. You are his peer. You put yourself in his shoes and decide what is right.