Lindsay Clancy trial latest: Court to resume
The trial of Lindsay Clancy has sparked a discussion regarding the legal distinction of infanticide in the United States compared to other Western nations. While some countries offer leniency for mothers suffering from postpartum mental health issues, the U.S. lacks a federal infanticide law.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing legal and social debate regarding how the justice system should account for postpartum mental health in criminal proceedings.
Asma Khalid Co-host, The Global Story Podcast
In another country, the charges against Lindsay Clancy might have looked somewhat different - at least regarding youngest child, who was eight months old when he was killed.
For his death, Clancy may have faced a charge of infanticide rather than murder.
Several other Western countries - including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland - have a specific law around infanticide.
The definitions vary, but broadly they follow the British precedent set about 100 years ago, which offers leniency to a mother for killing a baby in the first year of their life. (Though, in some countries, the age limit is higher).
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