When a crime occurs and bystanders are around, you would hope
they call the police or offer to help. However, that’s not
always the case. Bystanders don’t report crimes they witness out
of fear or other reasons. Also, what if they are mistaken, and
no crime actually occurred? Even worse, what happens when
someone completely makes up a crime, tying up police forces and
resources? Gang Rape in California; Duty to Report? Let’s say
you’re walking down a street and witness a robbery. You can
report it, but you don’t have to. There’s generally no duty to
report a crime unless special circumstances exist. While this is
the general rule in the United States, it has recently been
subject to much discussion and criticism. In California, as many
as 10 males raped and beat a 15-year-old girl outside a high
school’s homecoming dance. Investigators believe the beating and
rape lasted for more than two hours and as many as 20 people
watched and did nothing. Reporters even say some witnesses took
photos and laughed. While s