“Also, why can they charge for murder AND manslaughter when only one guy died?”
Gives the jury a lesser charge to convict on if they don’t think the greater charge is right. Also gives the DA charges to drop to get the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser charge. All in the game.
It seems to me they should only be able to make one charge. They should have to look at the case carefully and make the charge that fits. I understand when the charge is completely different, but the whole just-in-case-backup charges seem unfair. It is not both. They can’t actually be convicted of both second degree murder and manslaughter can they? If not, it should read OR.
Also what of the ones who are charged with 2 counts of manslaughter when only one guy died? Maybe I am remembering it wrong, but I think a couple of them were charged with 2 counts.
I looked it up and understand it a little better. They can’t get convicted of both. I am uncomfortable with the bet hedging aspect of it. I do see the necessity sometimes, but also it leaves a lot of room for abuse by prosecutors.