Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

If you get drunk and get behind the wheel of a car, it's the same to me as walking around with a loaded gun and firing randomly. Does it matter that you didn't set out to shoot someone?


Unfortunately, this is not the case. You still are conscious of your decisions when you walk into a bar and fire randomly. There is a reason its considered rape if you have sex with someone who is intoxicated; they can no longer provide consent. The no longer have the ability to reason for themselves.

Are we going to argue that you're a murder if you drink to excess while your keys are still in your pocket? Because that's when the decision was made, not when you get in your car drunk. At that point, its not you making the decision.


"At that point, it's not you making the decision."

Well, no. Turns out that alcohol's effect on behavior is strongly dependent on culture and/or expectations:

http://www.sirc.org/publik/drinking3.html#_VPID_5


Of course! One is murder and the other is criminally negligent manslaughter.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: