In-Class Assignment for Monday Nov. 2 2009

You have been asked to draft legislation addressing criminal and civil liability for individuals who fail to act when witnessing a crime such as occurred in Richmond CA. (See video - Richmond CA Rape)

Please address the following question(s):

1. Whether current State of California or Federal law provides any criminal or civil liability for failing to act. Fully describe the current law dealing with a failure to act.

2. What changes to current criminal or civil law do you propose for the failure to act?

3. What are the potential legal, social and other ramifications of your recommendations?

Each student group will provide a paper with appropriate research and recommendations. Recommended length is 4-5 pages. This assignment is due on Wednesday November 4, 2009. No late papers accepted.