As opposed to another person doing the same thing knowing full well that he is causing harm.
2007-01-30 20:42:09 · 10 answers · asked by Greng 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If they are deemed sane enough to stand trial, then they can be punished.
2007-01-30 21:09:31 · answer #1 · answered by Gianna M 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This can go either way depending on the circumstances. But as oppossed to a person doing the same thing and knowing full well that harm is being caused, the later will be much more likely to face criminal liability.
One who does not know they are causing harm, will only be guilty if they were being at least criminaly negligent, or it's a strict liability offense (strict liability crimes are minor offenses such as speeding in traffic).
For example, if you are beating on a sack of flour, and it's really a live person, you'll be guilty of battery if you knew a person was in the sack, and not guily if you had no idea.
Criminal negligence goes beyond the "reasonable person" standard, and requires more culpability.
2007-01-31 07:37:02 · answer #2 · answered by tallthatsme 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if he should know, or if a reasonable person would know, he was causing harm, a person can be charged, convicted and punished.
2007-01-31 04:58:03 · answer #3 · answered by Jack C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Under the Penal Law, a person is liable for every act that resulted to an injury even when he is not aware of it or do not intend to injure. It is called, "mistake of the blow". Thus, the person who caused a damage is still liable under the law.
2007-01-31 05:20:37 · answer #4 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes - it's called reckless endangerment. As long as the person is doing something that he should know could endanger others or cause damage, he can be held accountable.
2007-01-31 04:47:45 · answer #5 · answered by Rale 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Law doesn't accept ignorance as an excuse.
So yes, they can be punished.
2007-01-31 04:52:59 · answer #6 · answered by elliebear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
depending if he does not know, because of a mental deficiency or just general lack of knowledge...
because they both have very different outcomes according to law...
2007-01-31 05:19:57 · answer #7 · answered by j_allan0918 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That would all depend on the specifics of the situation.
2007-01-31 04:55:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-01-31 05:43:15 · answer #9 · answered by glamour04111 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HAVE TO SEE WHAT KIND OF HARM IT IS.IF ITS SERIOUS HARM, YOU HAVE TO FACE THE AUTHORITIES.
2007-01-31 04:51:24 · answer #10 · answered by amadeus_denis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋