As a society, we look to the law and the courts to vindicate and protect human rights. When the courts fail, the tragedy falls not only on the victim but also on all of us; human rights must be universal or we cannot be certain of them for ourselves. A recent California case illustrates that courts too sometimes fail to vindicate the rights of the weak and helpless.* While not specifically dealing with nursing, the case is so bizarre, and has received such publicity, that all nurses should be aware of its implications.