What conclusion was reached in R v. Kennedy regarding manslaughter when supplying drugs?

In R v. Kennedy, the pivotal issue revolved around the legal responsibilities of a drug supplier when the individual who consumed the drug subsequently dies. The court concluded that a fully informed and responsible adult who voluntarily takes a drug cannot be found guilty of manslaughter in the context of the supplier's actions. This stems from the principle that an individual is responsible for their own actions, particularly when they are aware of the potential effects of the substance they are consuming.

The ruling underscored the importance of personal agency and accountability. The court posited that once the drug user has made a conscious choice to take the drug—and this choice was made with full understanding of the associated risks—then the liability for the subsequent consequences does not extend back to the supplier of the drug.

This conclusion reflects a nuanced understanding of causation in criminal law, especially concerning manslaughter charges linked to drug supply. It implies that not every act of supplying drugs automatically entails moral or legal culpability for the resulting harm if the consumer exercised free will in their decision to ingest the substance.