判决理由
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.
事实
Blaue stabbed a Jehovah's Witness woman. She refused a life-saving blood transfusion on religious grounds and died.
判决摘要
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.
关键引述
"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
后续处理
Definitive authority on the thin skull rule in criminal causation.