Queen v. Dudley and Stephens
Known as the case of cannibalism at sea (a 19th century British law case).
Dudley describes their rescue in his diary with staggering euphemism, quote:
“on the twenty fourth day as we were having our breakfast a ship appeared at last.”
The three survivors were picked up by a German ship. They were taken back to Falmouth in England where they were arrested and tried.
They claimed they had acted out of necessity.
they argued in effect better that one should die so that three could survive
Discussion
1. Asking for Consent
If the 17-year-old __Richard Parker__ were asked consent, would it be morally justifiable?
Otherwise, it's a __coerced consent__.
What if Richard volunteers?
2. Lottery
Lack of __fair procedure__.
What about the lottery idea? Would it make a moral difference?
Maybe what bothers you is not the cannibalism, but __the lack of due process__.
3. Categorically wrong
Murder is murder.
> In fact the London newspaper at the time and popular opinion sympathized with Dudley in Stephens.
>
> The paper said, "If they weren't motivated by affection and concern for their loved ones and dependents, surely they wouldn't have done this."