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1Forensic Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Am Hochsträss 8, 89081 Ulm, Germany. friedemann.pfaefflin@uni-ulm.de
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|August 8, 2007
Summary
Cannibalism in mythology and art is symbolic, but literal practice, especially with consent, poses legal and ethical challenges. This analysis explores anthropological roots and legal assessments of such acts.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Cultural Studies
- Law
Background:
- Cannibalism appears symbolically in mythology, religion, and literature without causing shock.
- Literal cannibalism is problematic, occurring in extreme emergencies or as a sexual offense.
Observation:
- A German case involved a man seeking a consenting victim for cannibalism via the internet.
- The victim's consent complicated legal assessment, leading to initial lenient sentencing.
- A subsequent trial resulted in a life sentence for murder.
Findings:
- Mythological, religious, and artistic representations of cannibalism may reflect fundamental anthropological aspects.
- The legal system grappled with assessing a case of consensual cannibalism, highlighting ethical and legal ambiguities.
Implications:
- Understanding the anthropological underpinnings of cannibalism is crucial for assessing real-world cases.
- Legal frameworks require adaptation to address complex scenarios involving consent and extreme acts.
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