In an interesting and controversial case, a 20 year old woman is currently on trial in Massachusetts and is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter. The charge is related to the death of her boyfriend 3 years ago which was deemed a suicide; however, it has since been reported that prior to his death, the woman had been sending texts encouraging her partner to follow through on his plan to end his life.
The case is being followed closely as it could set legal precedent. Currently in the state there is no law against encouraging someone to commit suicide, and previous cases regarding others' involvement in an individual's suicide (i.e. encouraging online, bullying, and offering tips/support in carrying it out) have been generally unclear.
"The case against Ms. Carter is not without precedent, but such cases are rare and raise unusual challenges for prosecutors: To what extent can one person be responsible — and criminally liable — for the suicide of another person?
“The key issue is going to be causation, of who actually caused the death,” said Laurie Levenson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, who said people who kill themselves are generally considered to have acted of their own will. “Did she,” Ms. Levenson said, “or did the victim himself?”"
To find out more, visit:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/06/us/suicide-texting-manslaughter-trial.html
The case is being followed closely as it could set legal precedent. Currently in the state there is no law against encouraging someone to commit suicide, and previous cases regarding others' involvement in an individual's suicide (i.e. encouraging online, bullying, and offering tips/support in carrying it out) have been generally unclear.
"The case against Ms. Carter is not without precedent, but such cases are rare and raise unusual challenges for prosecutors: To what extent can one person be responsible — and criminally liable — for the suicide of another person?
“The key issue is going to be causation, of who actually caused the death,” said Laurie Levenson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, who said people who kill themselves are generally considered to have acted of their own will. “Did she,” Ms. Levenson said, “or did the victim himself?”"
To find out more, visit:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/06/us/suicide-texting-manslaughter-trial.html
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