Question: Read it here in reference to this story.

Answer: Good question. I would suggest that it has something to do with intent--Vick intended to kill dogs in a brutal manner, but Nesselroad-Slaby had a tragic lapse that ended in the death of her baby. It doesn’t set well with me, though, that there would be no consequence (besides the obvious) to Nesselroad-Slaby’s horrifically irresponsible behavior.

Parenthood is a responsibility that goes beyond understandable lapses of judgement, forgetfulness, or typical human error. When a parent makes a mistake--like leaving a baby in a car to slowly bake to death--it isn’t the same as forgetting your keys or cell phone on your desk at work. It’s certainly not murder, but it would seem to be child endangerment.

I’m not sure what the appropriate penalty for one of these parents who “simply forgot” about their children. In any case where it truly was an error, the cost will already be high for the family.  Just leaving the punishment to an injured conscience doesn’t seem quite adequate, though.