Quote Originally Posted by jmm99 View Post
when we discussed this case before heading home. Assuming the CPT shot the guy (not entirely beyond a reasonable doubt from the limited facts), it might have been a mercy killing. If so, we concluded he shouldn't be charged - based on our own morals & ethics, not on any criminal law concepts (she's a criminal justice grad).
I await more information from the trial process, I'm FAR from a legal expert, and I presume innocence until guilt is proven, but there is a case to be made that the Geneva Convention (1949), esp. Article 3, may come into play here:
....Persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of armed forces who have laid down their arms and those placed hors de combat by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, colour, religion or faith, sex, birth or wealth, or any other similar criteria....