A case in Nepal has sparked controversy by using a young adult mystery novel as evidence of criminal intent. The prosecution claims that the accused’s possession of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and a photo sent via Messenger suggest a criminal mindset. But is this argument credible?
The Case
The charges revolve around allegations of marital sexual assault. Among the various pieces of evidence, the prosecution points to the accused’s ownership of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and the victim’s claim that a photograph of the book was sent to her relative via Messenger. This, they argue, indicates premeditation or a “criminal mindset.”
Excerpt of charge sheet filed in Lalitpur district court
A Brief Background of the Case
This case involves allegations of marital sexual assault filed by a woman (referred to here as “Jawalakhel 13”) against her husband (“Sunakothi 26 (ka)”), with whom she had been married for six years. Both parties had been living in Australia before returning to Nepal for the Dashain festival. According to the victim, the accused had a history of physical abuse and threats, even filing complaints with Australian authorities during their time abroad.
The incident in question allegedly occurred on 2081 Kartik 1 (Nepali calendar). The victim claims that her husband forced her into a sexual act against her will while issuing death threats. She managed to alert her family by sending a photo of the book A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder via Messenger, claiming her life was in danger. The book and its photo have been cited as evidence of the accused’s criminal intent during the assault.
The Flawed Logic
This argument raises serious concerns:
- Books as Evidence? Books, including fiction, are a means of entertainment, education, and exploration. Claiming that owning a crime novel implies a propensity for crime is akin to suggesting that watching a detective series makes someone a detective. It is a leap that ignores the fundamental purpose of literature: to provoke thought, engage, and entertain.
- Correlation ≠ Causation The mere presence of a book in someone’s room or its photograph does not establish a causal link to criminal behavior. By this logic, anyone reading Shakespeare’s Macbeth could be accused of murderous intent, which is absurd.
- Slippery Slope If owning crime fiction is equated with criminal intent, this could set a dangerous precedent. What stops law enforcement from scrutinizing personal libraries for any book that “might” align with alleged crimes? It trivializes the investigation process and distracts from substantial evidence.
The Bigger Problem
This case highlights broader issues within the justice system:
- Misuse of Resources: Building a case on such tenuous grounds reflects a lack of investigative depth. Law enforcement must prioritize gathering concrete evidence rather than resorting to symbolic associations.
- Undermining Credibility: Arguments like these risk undermining the credibility of prosecutors and the justice system, turning serious legal proceedings into a spectacle.
- Impact on Freedom: Such claims encroach on individual freedoms, potentially stifling expression and intellectual curiosity.
What Should Matter?
Investigations must focus on tangible evidence, such as forensic reports, eyewitness accounts, and material proof. In this case, the focus should remain on medical examinations, testimonies, and events rather than the presence of a book.
A Cautionary Tale
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of conflating fiction with reality. Literature does not dictate morality; it reflects diverse human experiences. Criminal intent should be proven through actions, not possessions.
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson
This young adult mystery novel follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi (Pip), a high school student who reopens a five-year-old murder case in her small town for a school project. The case centers on the murder of Andie Bell, a popular girl whose boyfriend, Sal Singh, was accused but later died in an apparent suicide. Though the town considers the case closed, Pip suspects Sal was innocent.
As Pip investigates, she uncovers secrets that some people in the town would rather keep buried. The novel intertwines traditional storytelling with interviews, case notes, and diary entries, giving readers an immersive experience. It’s a gripping tale of determination, deception, and the search for truth, packed with twists and moral complexities.
The book is the first in a trilogy and is loved for its compelling characters, layered storytelling, and unpredictable plot twists.
Conclusion
While the justice system has a duty to investigate all angles, it must also maintain logical rigor. Associating A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder with criminal intent does a disservice to both the victim and the accused. It diverts attention from the core of the case and risks turning the courtroom into a theater of the absurd.
This case reminds us of an important lesson: fiction belongs in bookshelves, not in the courtroom.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should literature ever be used as evidence in court? Share your views in the comments below!