Is a parent legally responsible for a child murdering someone?

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Is a parent legally responsible for a child murdering someone?

Asked on August 29, 2014 under Criminal Law, California

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 9 years ago | Contributor

Not criminally, unless the parent in some way facilitated or assisted the murder; if the parent were involved in the murder, he or she could be liable as an accomplice (also called aiding & abetting) or as a  conspirator. If the parent helped hide the child from the police or dispose of evidence, etc., then the parent could be liable for such crimes as interfering with an investigation, destruction of evidence, etc.

The parent could be civilly liable (that is, could be sued by the deceased's family) if the parent were negligent, or careless, such as by not warning the authorities of a credible risk or threat of violence, making weapons available to a minor, not making sure that a minor child with mental health  issues took his/her medication, etc.


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