h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The Government should set up laws requiring citizens to come to the aid of their fellow men, for in the times of need, they will provide reinforcements which is definitely a factor when one is hesistant whether or not to help, when it is easier to do the right thing while doing so would abide by and appease the Letters of the Law.

Simple, involve our consciences or face the penalty.

Nice sentiment, but wouldn't that put ordinary citizens in the firing line, as in New Orleans where rescue helicopter were being shot at by those wishing to preserve the lawlessness?

JT

they actually do have those laws...they're called the Kitty Genovese laws...they are applied by the city government so are not a nationwide sorta thing...the laws were passed after the horrific murder of Kitty Genovese in NYC while standing right outside of her apartment...there we about 40 people who heard her cries for help and one who stuck his head out the window to yell at the attacker but who still did not call the cops...the main reason people gave for the inaction was that they did not want to become involved...psychologically the reason is what is known as the bystander effect or diffusion of responsibility...which is where a person will be far less likely to help in the presence of other individuals since they figure that the other person will take action...so thus when 40 people are present the feeling of responsibility to provide aid drop to near nothing...the laws basically require that if you witness a crime you are require to call authorities...but that wouldn't apply to events not witnessed and might not apply to natural disaster victims that you come across...but it would be an idea if the taxes were slightly raised and the additional funds were given to the rescue efforts...although that would be very unlikely to go through since it wouldn't make any politician popular...

38 people I believe, but yes, you're right! I was thinking about Catherine Genovese stabbing when I wrote that, but I had no idea it does exist, hooray!