Good Samaritan Laws

Good Samaritan laws take their name from the parable of The Good Samaritan, which is found in the Bible. In the story a several travelers see someone who is in distress and pass by without helping. Finally, a Samaritan passed by and saw the man in distress and helped him.

The Good Samaritan laws have been established to protect citizens who try to help another person who is ill or injured. This law is necessary to elevate the fear that someone can be sued if they cause injury or wrongful death while trying to help someone. Sometimes the Good Samaritan laws are confused with the duty to rescue law, which requires people to help if they see someone who is in need. If they fail to help, they can be held liable.

Good Samaritan laws vary by country. In Australia, for instance, most territories fall under the Good Samaritan laws as long as the person in the role of "Samaritan" is of sound mind and not under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Canada also has a Good Samaritan law, but the protection varies from province to province. In the United States, every state has some sort of Good Samaritan law. The amount and type of protection varies by jurisdiction.

In China, there was a legal case surrounding the death of Wang Yue who was a toddler who was run over by two cars. Several people passed by without help because they were afraid they would be held liable if they did help. In response to this case, China is in the process of drafting a version of the Good Samaritan Laws.