Read the following facts and then choose the correct option below: X1, X2, X3, X4 and X5 throw stones at Y. Y cannot run away from them, since he is trapped in a corner between two high walls. All the assailants have the intention of killing Y. This can be gathered from the fact that they shout loudly, within hearing distance of one another, "Kill him!" Some stones strike Y and some miss him. Y dies as a result of the stoning. All five assailants are charged with murder.

Question

Answer

By applying the doctrine of common purpose, the court may convict all five assailants of murder since it was clear that they all had the common purpose to kill Y.

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A film crew produces video evidence that the stone threw by X1 struck and killed Y. As such, only X1 may be found guilty of murder.

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As it is impossible for the court to find beyond reasonable doubt that any of the accused threw the stone that struck and killed Y, all five accused must be discharged.

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As there is no clear causal connection between each individual accused's conduct and Y's death, the court can only find the principal perpetrator guilty of murder.

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Read the following facts and then choose the correct option below: X1, X2, X3, X...

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