The Duty to Rescue and Kitty Genovese In 1964, Twenty-eight year old Kitty Genovese was stabbed to death on a sidewalk in Queens, New York. Thirty-eight people heard her cries for help but no one came to her rescue. Only after she expired were the police called. The death of Kitty Genovese was a tragic event, which could have been avoided. Although the law does not require a witness of such an event to risk their life in a physical action, we have a moral and ethical duty to notify the authorities when witnessing illegal activities of victimization. The state can effectively accomplish its responsibility to prevent violence by relying on the support of those who are witness to crimes. We have a moral duty to help enforce the law by notifying the authorities to the scene of a crime. Effective crime prevention involves the efforts of the entire community. The community has a responsibility to preserve the lives of its members against violence and other forms of harm. The community also has a responsibility to encourage the good of its members by recognition of mutual commitment in acting for the prosperity of the community and their related residents. Society has set principles of conduct in which we should behave. Therefore, we also have an ethical duty to safeguard our neighbors by doing what’s necessary to prevent crimes of violence or protect others from death and serious injury. In emergency situations when a police officer is absent, we can satisfy our ethical duty by contacting the necessary authorities instead of putting ourselves at considerable risk. The duty to rescue is a necessity to save innocent lives. Performing a duty to rescue will encourage a better sense of community, public accountability, and assurance to morale.

From the Legal standpoint, there’s a “no duty to rescue” rule and a general duty to rescue by statue. Many