What if an unknown researcher predicts an earthquake using a disfavored technique? If an earthquake then happens and hundreds die, should naysayer scientists go to jail? Some in the city of L'Aquila, Italy answered that odd question with a resounding yes. An April 6, 2009 earthquake that was predicted by Giampaolo Giuliani killed 308 people. Now the city's prosecutors are considering charging seven researchers at the National Geophysics and Vulcanology Institute (INGV) and members of the city's Major Risks Committee with manslaughter. The prosecutors say the committee could be considered criminally negligent for telling the townspeople that there was no need to evacuate. A formal investigation has been opened, but charges haven't yet been filed. As reported in Life in Italy:
"Those involved were highly qualified individuals who should have provided the public with different answers," said L'Aquila's chief prosecutor, Alfredo Rossini. "It was not the case that we received ...
