Srijita wrote:These are all excellent points, Silver_Surfer1, akin to what the authorities – or lawyers – might advise under the circumstances. However, this type of advice disregards the dual impact of the adrenaline rush, which transiently hinders cognitive reasoning, and the natural emotional reaction that most people would experience under the circumstances.
Most people perhaps, but not all! Srijita wrote:On arrival at the site, there are signs of forced entry. A loved one is quite possibly still inside and in danger. Self-preservation might not be foremost in people’s minds at this stage. For all we know, we might be able to prevent a tragedy by going in there ourselves, rather than waiting for law enforcement to arrive. In some cases, those few minutes can make a difference to whether someone lives or dies.
Yes, we might be able to prevent a tragedy, and we also might make the situation worse for all concerned by proceeding ahead blindly, without much thought, and without assistance. Srijita wrote:Besides, what are we going to tell law enforcement over the phone, at this point? “Someone’s broken into my partner’s house.” Without evidence of physical harm to anyone, the police may not prioritise our call. In the interim, a loved one might be injured or scared and in need of urgent help.
Yes, That's exactly what you tell them, and any other pertinent information you might have. The police should be able to assess the situation from important information relayed to them and therefore act speedily. Afterall, this is their job and they are trained in how to handle these situations, etc. Srijita wrote:Yes, hindsight is always twenty-twenty. But I’d be less quick to judge people for their responses in an adrenaline-charged, emotionally fuelled situation. Furthermore, no matter how streetwise, savvy, and circumspect one is, it’s still possible to find oneself falsely accused and suddenly on the wrong side of the law. Blaming the victims for their stupid, irrational behaviour helps to reinforce the notion that it couldn’t happen to any of us. But it could.
Oh, I didn't say, or think, that the same situation couldn't happen to any of us on being falsely accused, etc. . I believe it could indeed. However, how we handle the situation from the beginning and all the way around can also have some effect on the situation, no matter what it is. Sometimes having a clear head in dealing with a situation can make a world of difference, and in this case possibly save a life, including that of a loved one, or your own. Srijita wrote:Glad this is a fantasy scenario
Me too! Srijita wrote:Exactly! In the same vein, it's only human nature to rush in through the cracked door to try to find your loved one, and for a jury to convict someone based entirely on circumstantial evidence.
Maybe. However, It's also human nature, and a part of the judicial or legal system, to believe a person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt. Very interesting question, Kaloes! Keep 'em coming!
Srijita wrote:Indeed. Evidently they can lead to some debate
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I agree!