How are conjoined twins punished?

You might throw both twins in prison but treat only the guilty one as if he were a convict. Of course, jail isn’t the only way to punish a criminal. In a thoughtful analysis of the conjoined-criminal problem, law student Nicholas Kam considers several other kinds of sanction.

Do both conjoined twins have to consent?

If you were hooking up with a conjoined twin, you’d need to get consent from both people. Both are considered adults with their own social security numbers. It’s not a buy-one-get-two-free system.

Why would conjoined twins be charged with conspiracy?

Both conjoined twins would be charged with conspiracy because it is impossible for one such twin to be completely innocent of a crime that the other committed, and it would be one twin’s word against the other with no way to prove innocence.

What is the legal status of conjoined twins?

Conjoined twins are legally classified as two separate persons. Although both conjoined, each will have their own birth certificate and driving licence, for example. The Hensen twins took their driving test separately, even though they both share the use of two legs and two arms.

Should a crime committed by one conjoined twin be considered accessory?

A crime committed by one conjoined twin does not automatically mean that the non-perpetrator is an accessory. Mere presence is not enough – generally, an accessory must intentionally assist or encourage the offender, and must promote or assist in the crime. Sentencing, however, would present a particular conundrum.

Can the innocent twin be imputed as an accomplice?

Put aside the idea that the innocent twin had any control over the guilty twins hand. Put aside the idea that the court may impute the guilty action to the innocent twin, finding her an accomplice in the commission of this murder. Put aside the idea that the court could find that the innocent twin had some duty to stop the murder from occurring.