Criminology

Even though such laws are specific in every state or province, guardianship, in general, is a legal relationship when  someone who is appointed to care for andor handle the affairs of a person who is incompetent or incapable of administering hisher affairs (US Legal, 2010).   Furthermore, guardianship comes with responsibilities.  As the definition stated, these are individuals who are charged with making decisions for those who are incapable of doing it. In this scenario, it is quite apparent that the Smiths failed to appoint a suitable guardian and did not follow proper legal procedure that could have saved all parties involved from any complications.  It is quite apparent here that Bob is a man of questionable character as evidenced by his failure to watch over his ward led to her getting involved in a crime which also involved murder.   Furthermore, the Smiths appeared not to have any documentary evidence of Bobs authority to act as a guardian for Jane.

As a result, the Smiths can be held liable for this neglect (Fleming and Curti, 2009).  Even though a person (like Bob) may be someone known to the parents, proper legal procedure must be taken.  These are safeguards to ensure that anyone put in the care of the guardian will not be abused by the same.  Oral declaration would not suffice to affirm ones designation.  Even if he is the appointed guardian, Bob can still be held liable as well for his neglect and with Jane getting involved in a crime.  As stated earlier, guardianship entails having responsibilities nearly equal to that of a parent and anyone designated as such must be remiss in these duties and responsibilities.