Student Question
What punishment should Mary Maloney receive and why?
Quick answer:
Mary Maloney should be convicted of involuntary manslaughter, as her actions were reckless but not intended to kill her husband. Involuntary manslaughter involves unintentional homicide and generally carries a one-year prison sentence plus fines. This punishment seems appropriate, considering she is not deemed a danger to others. A more severe charge like second-degree murder would be too harsh given the unintentional nature of her actions.
I think that Mary Maloney would most likely be convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Involuntary manslaughter refers to unintentional homicide from reckless conduct. I do not believe that Mary Maloney intended to kill her husband with the leg of lamb. I do believe that she wanted to hurt him though. Because of the unintentional part, I can't consider convicting her of second degree murder, because the punishment seems too severe. Involuntary manslaughter is treated as a felony regardless of whether the crime was committed at the federal or state level. Generally, it carries a one year prison sentence plus fines. That punishment seems appropriate for Mary Maloney. I do not consider her a danger to others in the community, so I feel a longer prison sentence is unnecessary.
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