Editor's note: The recent tragedies involving small children dying from heat strokes after being left in cars have sparked online discussions. Should parents be held legally accountable for leaving their children in a car? You are welcome to share your comments by emailing [email protected].

Ratfink (Australia)

Penalties don't always work in cases like this. From a humanitarian viewpoint losing a child in such a tragic manner will cause a lifetime of grief for the parents. However, there are times when a steep penalty is needed, in the case of willful neglect for example.

Child safety seats are on display during an exhibition in Shanghai, China, on July 24, 2014. [Photo/IC]