Commonwealth v. Twitchell

Commonwealth v. Twitchell is a landmark legal case in the United States, specifically in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The case is notable for its exploration of the intersection between religious freedom and child neglect laws.

Pronunciation

Commonwealth v. Twitchell: /ˈkɒmənwelθ viː ˈtwɪtʃəl/

Etymology

The term "Commonwealth v. Twitchell" is derived from the legal naming convention used in the United States. "Commonwealth" refers to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the jurisdiction in which the case was tried. "v." is an abbreviation of "versus", indicating a legal dispute or conflict. "Twitchell" is the surname of the defendants in the case, David and Ginger Twitchell.

Overview

In 1986, David and Ginger Twitchell, members of the Christian Science church, were charged with involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment following the death of their two-year-old son, Robyn. The Twitchells had chosen to treat their son's illness with Christian Science prayer treatments instead of seeking conventional medical treatment. The case raised significant questions about the limits of religious freedom and the state's responsibility to protect children.

Verdict

The Twitchells were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in 1990. The verdict was controversial, with critics arguing that it infringed on the Twitchells' right to religious freedom. The case led to changes in Massachusetts law, with the state removing legal protections for parents who withhold medical treatment from their children on religious grounds.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Commonwealth v. Twitchell
Wikipedia's article - Commonwealth v. Twitchell

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