Family and friends: Would you defend them?

[Bago]

I was going to choose 'none of the above too'.

It's a biased set of stats !

 

Boo.....

 

You should know better than to do this on the SF. As a socially labelled left-liberal do gooder, I don't think it's right !

[stars_gazing]

but what relationship they have to you is relevant. what if it was your mum or dad? you wouldnt feel the same way about them being convicted for a crime as you would a complete stranger. also, thats why they have 'personality witnesses' (dont know the proper name for it!) in some court cases, because the relationships they have with people and what type of person they are are relevant factors

 

Hmmm... That is not necessarily true. Sometimes members of your own family can be your worst enemies. I was talking to a friend of mine the other day and asked if he'd help a family member if they were being attacked by a thief upstairs (whether armed or not). He said "no" and that shocked me, but he actually had reasons to "justify himself".

 

Oh and imo character witnesses are a good idea, if interrogated correctly. They're not asked, "So... Do you think person x did it?" They're asked about unrealated incidents and what kind of reaction they feel person x would have to a hypothetical situation etc. If someone told you that one of your family members had been convicted of a crime, depending on the crime, there are some people you'd suspect straight away and others you wouldn't even think of; because you know their personalities so well.

[Harry O]

Is it me or do the percentages add up to 150%?

[stars_gazing]

Is it me or do the percentages add up to 150%?

 

Yes, because people can choose more than one option.

[Heyesey]

but what relationship they have to you is relevant. what if it was your mum or dad? you wouldnt feel the same way about them being convicted for a crime as you would a complete stranger.

 

My feelings about the issue are not relevant. My relationship with the criminal is not relevant. The only thing of any relevance is that he/she broke the law, and unless I wish to be prosecuted as an accessory after the fact I have a legal, as well as a moral, obligation to inform the police.

[redrobbo]

This whole thread is very confusing Solomon1!

 

If a relative or close friend of mine was accused of any crime, of course I would wish to support them, as the poll is worded. But the thread title asks an entirely different question - would you defend them? That is a different concept to supporting someone. But then the OP asks something different again.....

 

With reference to maggie and pinochet, what would you cover up up for a friend or relative?

.

 

My answer to the OP is no. Just remember what happened to Maxine Carr who covered up for Ian Huntley in the Soham children's double murder.

[Bago]

i used to think that, that it would be that easy. but loyalties do cloud your judgement.......which is why people regularly do protect their loved ones.

 

otherwise all the people who had done bad stuff would have been handed over to the police straight away. why do mothers cover up for their murdering sons? because they lie to themselves and pretend its not happening?

Ok, I'm gonna be serious now.

 

For me loyalty is important, but my own ethics are even more important. Will I cover up for someone that did something, and also admitted it to me (privately) that they did this ? Well, no... I can't do it. I came across a situation before, and I did not make a big fuss over it, out of loyalty to my friend. I felt crap for days. I kept thinking that her gf should take the responsibility and let others decide on the punishment.

 

If it was a son of mine, of course I will be loyal to him. I would actually want to know exactly what had gone on, and what went wrong. I would want to know the truth too. If he had lied to me about his actions. Then no, I won't coverfor his lies. If he is innocent, then I will believe him, and stand by that.

 

I recently saw on the news about Barrymore's case being cleared. He thanked his family for the support, and everything else that did. So, at least his family stood by him. I like to think that I will do the same too if it was my children.

 

Some people really know their children, and some really don't. I like to think that I will get to know my child, and what he/she did. Otherwise how can I trust him/her ?