Minneapolis police officers killed George Floyd by crushing his neck with a knee while he lay prostrate, helpless, and handcuffed.
This is precisely the kind of case When All Else Failsis about. Every “hypothetical” example in the book is in fact a real case, but we had to say “based on” real cases for legal reasons.
It would obviously be imprudent to attack the cops in this case, as they will likely shoot back and murder you. But would it be immoral–or instead justified–to do so? If you could have shot one from a window and escaped, would it be justified? (I argue yes.) Would it even be obligatory?
Amy Cooper lied to the cops, saying that “an African American man…is threatening me and my dog.” Given how the police in the US often behave (see above), this lie is like calling in the death squad.
Luckily, the police interviewed them and didn’t hurt anybody (as far as I’ve read). But in a nearby possible world, they show up and hurt or even kill the victim, Christian Cooper.
Most people would judge her much more harshly had that happened. She is lucky she isn’t responsible for Cooper’s death. You can use it in your moral luck class.
