In 1982, actor Vic Morrow and two Vietnamese child actors were killed while filming the Twilight Zone movie. A pyrotechnic explosion damaged a helicopter and it crashed on top of them killing all 3 instantly.
Eventually John Landis and Steven Spielberg were charged with involuntary manslaughter. Landis (and others but not I think, Spielberg who was a producer) were put on trial and IOTL, acquitted in 1986-1987.
Involuntary manslaughter in this case basically means that despite knowing it was dangerous or unreasonable, they broke the law but without intending anyone to get hurt.
Now trials are funny things and who knows what happened, but assume for the purposes of alternate history that both Landis and Spielberg were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in 1987. They might or might not go to jail. Probably no more than 5-8 years I'd say if that. But how does this effect their various careers?
Eventually John Landis and Steven Spielberg were charged with involuntary manslaughter. Landis (and others but not I think, Spielberg who was a producer) were put on trial and IOTL, acquitted in 1986-1987.
Involuntary manslaughter in this case basically means that despite knowing it was dangerous or unreasonable, they broke the law but without intending anyone to get hurt.
Now trials are funny things and who knows what happened, but assume for the purposes of alternate history that both Landis and Spielberg were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in 1987. They might or might not go to jail. Probably no more than 5-8 years I'd say if that. But how does this effect their various careers?