Chris and Toby Dorr
In 2008 after Toby was released from federal prison, she and Chris crossed paths. They decided to lean on each other while getting back on their feet, but God had other plans. They married in 2009 and are committed to walking whatever path God puts in front of them.
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A passion to end felony murder
When we share the details about felony murder convictions, our audience is always shocked. Quickly followed by outrage. So we decided to create a podcast to educate, while spreading the truth about felony murder. Join us as we raise awareness, inspire change, and fight for a more just future.
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History
Felony murder was first established as a concept centuries ago. Historians believe it dates back to the 12th century. Today’s modern form of the rule is still more than a century old, developed as a common law rule in 1716.
Despite being a long-held legal principle, felony murder rules have fallen out of favor in most parts of the world. England abolished the concept in 1957, and, in 1990, Canada found the rule unconstitutional because it was in breach of the principles of fundamental justice. The U.S. and Australia are the only countries that still use it, and that use is controversial.
Injustice
Prosecutors typically must show intent to convict someone of murder. This is called a mens rea requirement. However, a legal doctrine called felony murder creates an exception to this general rule.
Felony murder is a rule that creates an exception to the mens rea requirement for first- or second-degree murder charges. It allows a defendant to be charged with murder as a result of a death that occurred when the defendant committed a felony.
Examples
If you are robbing a bank and your getaway driver hits a pedestrian as you flee the scene, you could be charged with murder because the death occurred while you were committing a felony offense.
Alternatively, if you were robbing a store with a friend and the store clerk shot and killed your friend, you could be charged with your friend’s murder.
Does not need intent
Murder charges usually require a prosecutor to prove malice. Malice is what distinguishes murder from manslaughter. Malice means that you acted with the intent to cause a death or to cause serious bodily harm.
However, felony murder does not require a prosecutor to prove express intent. Instead, under common law, the theory was that implied malice justified a murder charge when someone committed a felony because the decision to engage in felonious behavior exhibited a reckless disregard for human life.
Punishments
Punishments for felony murder are very serious. Depending on the state, the defendant may be convicted of either first-degree murder or second-degree murder. As a result, potential consequences of conviction could include:
- the death penalty (**in states that allow it)
- life imprisonment or a lengthy prison sentence, without parole in many instances
Loopholes
Finally, a defendant can be charged even if no participants in the felony were directly responsible for the death, but the death occurred as a direct result of the felony.
If a defendant robbed a store and the clerk attempted to shoot the defendant but killed another customer by mistake instead, the robber could still face murder charges.
*What Is Felony Murder? Punishment, Types And Meaning
**Hawaii, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan and Ohio have abolished their felony murder rules, while Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon and Washington impose limits on when the felony murder doctrine applies.
Our mission
The mission of 2 Dorrs Down is to explore the profound impact of time on our lives and advocate for the end of felony murder. Through powerful storytelling and thoughtful discussions, we aim to raise awareness, inspire change, and foster a deeper understanding of how time shapes our experiences, decisions, and the pursuit of justice.
Time – our most valuable currency
The way people invest their time shapes the course of their lives, with each area offering unique rewards and potential pitfalls. Balancing time investments across these areas is crucial for a well-rounded, fulfilling life. The key is to recognize that time, once spent, cannot be regained, making thoughtful, intentional investments all the more important.
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The Paradox of Time
Our perception of time is deeply influenced by our emotions, mental state, and the specific circumstances we find ourselves in. These perceptions can vary dramatically, causing time to feel like it’s either speeding up, slowing down, or even standing still.
“Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind. ”
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Nathaniel Hawthorne