Typically when we cover stories about people doing stupid things that put them in jail we focus on events that occur in the United States.  Maybe it’s because the commercial bail bonding industry is an unique US industry (also in Philippines) or because the people reading this blog are for the most part from the US, we aren’t sure.  But what we do know is that this next story, even though it comes from Italy is worth posting.  It is just that ridiculous.

Have you ever gone to Las Vegas and place a sports bet?  Have you ever sat around with friends and predicted who was going to win the Oscars?  When you are right, it is pretty cool and you have bragging rights with your friends for a few days…and when you are wrong, you just sort of laugh it off and go about your business.  You are probably wondering what the heck we are talking about so we will get to the point quick.  What if when you were wrong about your prediction, you could be thrown in jail?  Seriously, you try and guess who is going to win the Superbowl and when you are wrong the police come by and throw you in jail. 

As crazy as that sounds, in Italy this week, prosecutors have called for a group of scientists to be thrown in jail for four years each for failing to correctly predict an earthquake.  Unbelievable, huh?  This past April a 6.3 earthquake struck a small mountain city in Italy that completely destroyed the century old buildings.  Several geologists and volcanologist had been asked six days earlier after some small earthquakes whether a bigger one was possible.  They of course responded that these things can’t be predicted.  We are sure where this will fall out, but it does make us happy to be living in the US.  Where we can predict whatever we want, whenever we want…and be wrong…and proud.  Read the original article below.

Original article: Scientists face jail over failure to predict Italy quake