The Quiet Samaritan
Walking down the street Jones sees a flowerpot fall out of a window, threatening another pedestrian. Jones could save him simply by shouting a warning but he keeps silent. Under prevailing law in the United States, in cases of this kind, Jones is not liable for failing to warn the pedestrian.
Should the law be changed so as to impose liability upon a bystander such as Jones in the preceding situation? If so, why? If not, why not?
Fourth Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, APPE, 2/26/98
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
(c) Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE)
Walking down the street Jones sees a flowerpot fall out of a window, threatening another pedestrian. Jones could save him simply by shouting a warning but he keeps silent. Under prevailing law in the United States, in cases of this kind, Jones is not liable for failing to warn the pedestrian.
Should the law be changed so as to impose liability upon a bystander such as Jones in the preceding situation? If so, why? If not, why not?
Fourth Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, APPE, 2/26/98
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
(c) Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE)