Question

1. Five New Jersey teenagers were drinking beer by the railroad tracks near their home when they heard a train approaching. They decided to throw a track switch and sent the train careening off the tracks, down a siding, and through the brick wall of a building. The crash killed the engineer, critically injured one passenger, and caused an estimated $5.5 million in property damage. Discuss the teenagers’ moral responsibility for their actions in light of the circumstances in which it took place.

Answer 1

Teenagers by their age, have developed a sense of morality and responsibility. They are not immature to not understand morals and values. However, drinking disrupts one's thinking and the person is unable to make any sound decision. Nevertheless, it all depends upon the dosage. If they are heavily drunk, we can expect them to be in their senses and behave morally and responsibily. However, drinks in less quantity does not have much effect. From the given scenario, it appears that the teenagers have not acted morally nor responsibly. This could be due to the effect of alcohol. Another reason could be the impulsive behavior, peer pressure and peer conformity seen in adolescents. Any reasoning does not justify the action, and they are surely responsible for the grave act and they should be punished legally for this.