Prod Bystanders to be 'Upstanders' like Darnella Frazier

Abstract

The crucial — maybe even essential — role of an onlooker’s viral video in convicting George Floyd’s killer compels us to revisit an age-old question: In a time of crisis, what, if any, duties should we owe each other? Darnella Frazier is rightly receiving recognition as a “hero” for bearing witness to Derek Chauvin’s heinous offense. Other recent spectators to violent crimes have not been so helpful. Our laws should impose a duty to intervene in such serious misconduct when it would be safe and reasonable for a civilian witness to do so.

Keywords: Bystanders, Upstanders, Heroes, Darnella Frazier, George Floyd, Derek Chauvin, Police Brutality, Police Killing, Save, Rescue, Protect, Rape, Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, Murder, Criminal Law, Bad Samaritan Laws, Duty To Report