State v. Thomas

The past twenty years have seen a dramatic increase in heroin use, abuse, and accessibility. 1 Unsurprisingly, Maryland has experienced a correlating spike in heroin and opioid-related deaths. 2 Our State, and Marylanders alike, seek tools to combat this epidemic. We are asked to consider under what circumstances the dangers of heroin would justify holding a dealer liable for involuntary manslaughter for supplying the means by which his customer fatally overdoses. The issue is fraught. The perception of an epidemic cannot solely dictate its legally recognized danger. As our role requires, we…