Guest Thinkers — November 14, 2010

Shooting Father on Trial

Tim K. killed 15 people before turning his gun on himself. His father, the owner of the weapon, is now in the dock. How culpable can parents be if their child kills?

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Tim K. killed 15 people before turning his gun on himself. His father, the weapon’s owner, is now in the dock. Some have called it a show trial aimed at providing the victims’ families with peace of mind. How culpable can parents be if their child kills? It’s a question that often follows tragic school shootings, regardless in what country they take place. Currently, Jörg K., a businessman and gun enthusiast, is on trial on charges relating to the March 2009 school shooting in Germany. Some argue the trial will help uncover the truth behind the crime and therefore deliver justice, but can it?

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