AC3.3 Case Studies of Moral Imperatives

Question 1

Kay Gilderdale – What did she do and why?

Answer 1

Helped her sick daughter die (assisted suicide). Believed it was an act of compassion. (Acquitted)

Question 2

The Suffragettes – What were they fighting for?

Answer 2

Women’s right to vote. Used civil disobedience and gained public support over time. (Imprisoned)

Question 3

Luke Steele – Why was he convicted?

Answer 3

Attacked animal testing labs out of belief in animal rights. Gained some public sympathy. (Convicted)

Question 4

Stansted 15 – What did they do and why?

Answer 4

Blocked a plane to stop deportation of 60 people. Believed they were saving lives. Won appeal. (Initially jailed, later won appeal)

Question 5

Clive Ponting – Why did he leak government secrets?

Answer 5

Believed the public had a right to know about the Belgrano sinking in the Falklands War. (Acquitted)

Question 6

James & Wenham – What did they damage and why?

Answer 6

Vandalised nuclear submarine to prevent war crimes. (Acquitted)

Question 7

Alan Blythe – Why did he grow cannabis?

Answer 7

Said it was to ease his wife’s suffering. Claimed it was a compassionate crime. (Acquitted)