If I cross a busy street illegally and a six year old following my example, is killed by a car, am I guilty?

Question

In that event, assume I knew the six year old was there.
On the other hand, what if I didn't realize the child was there? Does that change my social / moral responsibility for the child's death, assuming there might be some responsibility at all on my part.

Answer 1

Legally, I'm sure you wouldn't be. Morally, yes, you would be guilty, regardless if you knew the child was there or not. Good question.

As a side-note, not too long ago I was waiting to cross the street. 3 Adult men ran across against against the light and called to a little girl to cross too (I assume she was the daughter of one of them). She screamed NO! and waited for the light to change. I thought, 'what a smart girl', and congratulated her on her ability to stand up for herself.

Answer 2

Doesn't that just go to show that everything you do has an impact in this life? People often ask why am I here? What is my purpose? Do I make a difference to anyone?

Well if you could make this kind of difference imagine the kind you can make when you try to do good!

Certainly it would by no means be your fault....but just like someone who ACCIDENTLY and without fault hits and kills someone with a car...it's not thier fault either...but they never forget till the day they die.

I suppose on the bright side it's forced you to think about the consequences to your actions. Always try to do what is right. I believe we touch many lives and we just never know how many.

Have you watched the movie or read the book "The 5 people I will meet in Heaven?" I think that's what it's called.

Correct me if I have that title wrong but basically it's about that, you just don't know whose lives you've affected in this world.

Answer 3

First off you never know who's watching, were u in a hurry/ No matter u had a min or two to waste for the walk to be legal. Never rush to get anyone leave on time and if u cant do that set ur clock ahead of time and trick ur self with time so u dont have to rush. How would u feel had it been ur child? Things that make u say UHHm

Answer 4

I think the person most guilty of the child's death would be the parents who let him go out near a busy street unsupervised.

You would be guilty of jaywalking and setting a bad example

Answer 5

Interesting scenario.

The driver who hit the child would no doubt become a witness to ones "illegal actions", which would be charged. I'd bet the ranch that he and his insurance company would go after one with everything available to them, if only to reduce charges against the driver.

One may have a tough time with a jury. Sympathy would be a big factor.

Answer 6

Morally? Legally? Emotionally? You could try following the rules and not set a bad example.

Answer 7

That is an interesting question. It appears to leave out a few details, but I suspect one may have to break it into categories; such as legally, and spiritually too, to properly answer the question.

Answer 8

If the child is yours, you could be responsible, but if it isn't, then the parent of that child would be guilty of neglect and manslaughter.

Answer 9

i would say yes. YOu do have a moral responcibility to show a good examople for the younger generation. if the chiold died you should feel riddled with guilt!

Answer 10

Not directly. Maybe indirectly. Your guilt is something you will have to live with. I don't think you are a bad person. You're not. But you may feel like it. Try to forgive yourself.