manslaughter for failing to predict an earthquake?

[nynor]

Italian scientists fail to predict killer quake, charged with manslaughter | ksl.com

i think there may be some confusion about the nature of earthquake science....

[ckissick]

That's absurd. I used to work for the USGS doing earthquake prediction research. It is theoretically possible to predict an earthquake hours or days in advance, due to stress changes that occur prior to the event. But it's a very inexact science. Precurser earthquakes are even less relaible as a predictor.

A M6.3 here in CA wouldn't do nearly as much harm. If anyone, they should be arresting those who write building codes.

[Bill Douglas]

too much pasta

[livi]

In a country headed by a dude named Berloscone just about anything goes..

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Originally Posted by ckissick

That's absurd. I used to work for the USGS doing earthquake prediction research. It is theoretically possible to predict an earthquake hours or days in advance, due to stress changes that occur prior to the event. But it's a very inexact science. Precurser earthquakes are even less relaible as a predictor.

A M6.3 here in CA wouldn't do nearly as much harm. If anyone, they should be arresting those who write building codes.

The problem is the people who write building codes are less concerned with bona fide safety these days than dictating energy efficiency and mandating "green building". It has gotten absurd and grossly oversteps the bounds of trying to protect public safety and health.

If an owner/developer wants to build a building made out of 100% glass and doesn't mind paying the high rates to heat/cool the space, isn't it their business?

Nope. Not in the world of modern building codes.

Don't get me wrong - there are a lot of good codes that do a lot to protect and save lives, but in recent years it's been a very blatant power/money grab and an extension of political agendas rather than concern about real public safety issues.

Sorry for the hijack. Yeah, this lawsuit is silly but then again, it's Italy.

[Roosterrusek]

...and people wonder why there are those that question the Italian justice system regarding Amanda Knox.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by livi

In a country headed by a dude named Berloscone just about anything goes..

Boonga Boonga.

[David]

From the same country that wanted to charge the Williams F1 engineers with murder for Arton Senna's death.

[cgarr]

I thought the science was settled? Hang them then!

[GH85Carrera]

I wonder how many people will remain in the field of earthquake research in Italy? If I was doing that job and thought I might go to jail for some bogus reason I would work in another country or different profession the day after that arrest.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I wonder how many people will remain in the field of earthquake research in Italy? If I was doing that job and thought I might go to jail for some bogus reason I would work in another country or different profession the day after that arrest.

Exactly. Now, why are MD's for tort reform?

[sammyg2]

People are dumber than anybody.

[FrankyV]

Remember that Italy tried certain F1 people for Ayrton Senna's death? Not that they succeeded. It must be a cultural thing- if there is a tragedy soemone must be held accountable.