Is killing an abortion doctor manslaughter?
Scott Roeder, 51, is seen in his booking photo in Wichita, Kansas.
The judge overseeing the trial of a Kansas man charged with first degree murder for killing an abortion doctor has agreed to hear an unusual argument. Defense lawyers say the suspect's act constitutes voluntary manslaughter, not murder. Under state law, willful killings motivated by "an unreasonable but honest belief that circumstances existed that justified deadly force” carry sentences of fewer than five years in prison. If convicted of first degree murder, the suspect would likely be sentenced to life in prison. Does the defendant's intention—protecting the future life of the unborn—justify his decision to take another man's life?
Guests:
Peter Breen, executive director and legal counsel of the Thomas Moore Society
Katherine Spillar, executive vice president of the Feminist Majority Foundation
- AirTalk for January 12, 2010
- Is killing an abortion doctor manslaughter?
- The psychology of pricing
- Flummoxed by the filibuster
- Mark McGwire fesses up steroid use
- MOCA names Jeffrey Deitch as new director
Also on this episode
Events
Film Week Oscar Preview
Sunday, February 19, 2012
1 p.m.
- 3 p.m.
It’s a hit with boffo box office! The 10th annual “Film Week on AirTalk” Academy Awards preview is coming to the historic Egyptian Theater on Hollywood Boulevard, Sunday, February 19th. The full cast of “Film Week” critics joins Larry Mantle to debate which nominees should take the top categories. Audience ... » More info
