"You killed a human!"

[white avenger]

Did anyone besides me get the impression that Giles was more put off by Faith's trying to blame the Vice Mayor's death on Buffy than the actual death? There was never any clear statement of the Council's policy on the taking of human life by a Slayer, certainly they had at least their own "wet team" that they sent after Faith, and lord knows that Ripper had no hesitation about the taking of human life when it became necessary, even to the point of suggesting rather vehemently that they seriously consider killing Dawn (despite her being the Key, she was still, in effect, a young girl, fully human, whom he obviously had quite a bit of affection for), and he didn't hesitate in killing Ben in that same season.

[Cangel]

Giles probably knew the whole ViceMayor killing was just a slaying accident. I guess that's why he didn't act all shaken up about that.
And he was probably well aware of the fact that when he was too harsh on either of them for that accident, he would drive Faith away to the dark side for good, which would be by far more dangerous than just killing a human once by accident.

Sorry for my English, rereading the text I realized I don't have any linguistic energy today to express myself more clearly.

[Kana]

Ok there is several parts to this. For one, the killing of the Allan Finch was an accident, trying to blame Buffy was a premeditated act, which is why it may be considered more reprehensible.

Giles does seem to have adopted some of the WC's traits of 'big picture thinking' much like Wesley, although to a lesser extent. For him killing Dawn and killing Ben were options for that greater good.

Interestingly enough Faith gives a similar justification for her own actions in Consequences (I think): One death amongst many saved is a more than a fair trade even if the death in itself is not a good thing.

Giles comment to Buffy about accidents happening seemed cavalier perhaps but it was the truth. It's a dangerous business and people can be caught in the crossfire. It's better to know that than not. I suppose much like if a Police officer killed a civilian, in the line of duty, I suppose an investigation would be made although the WC would be less diplomatic, I suppose.

[Jules]

Also, even though Finch was human he was working for the Mayor. He was an evil doer, despite the fact that he seemed impossibly timid. He was a bad guy. Fair enough he didn't seem strong enough (not just physically but emotionally as well) to get himself out of the situation he was in with the Mayor, he did everything he was told.

[Kana]

Also, even though Finch was human he was working for the Mayor. He was an evil doer, despite the fact that he seemed impossibly timid. He was a bad guy. Fair enough he didn't seem strong enough (not just physically but emotionally as well) to get himself out of the situation he was in with the Mayor, he did everything he was told.

It's kind of Faith's rationalization but it wasn't one she really believed and so she went into denial. She couldn't shake the possibility he may have actually been going to them for help or that he may have been about to turn against the Mayor. Even if he was mixed up and made some bad choices (we don't know the background of that) does that mean he should be killed or his life isn't important?