판결 이유
The thin skull rule applies in criminal law. A defendant must take their victim as they find them, including religious beliefs. A victim's refusal of treatment on religious grounds does not break the chain of causation.
사실관계
Blaue stabbed a Jehovah's Witness woman. She refused a life-saving blood transfusion on religious grounds and died.
판결 요약
The manslaughter conviction was upheld. The victim's refusal did not break the chain. The defendant must take the victim as he finds them — including their religious beliefs.
주요 인용문
"It has long been the policy of the law that those who use violence on other people must take their victims as they find them. This in our judgment means the whole man, not just the physical man."
— Lawton LJ
후속 처리
Definitive authority on the thin skull rule in criminal causation.