What offense has Mary committed if she neglects her elderly mother leading to severe malnutrition?

Mary's actions fall under the category of injury to an elderly individual by omission because she has a duty of care towards her elderly mother and has failed to meet that obligation, resulting in severe malnutrition. In legal terms, "omission" refers to a failure to act when there is a duty to do so, and this type of neglect towards an elderly individual can lead to serious harm, such as malnutrition or deterioration of health. The law recognizes that neglect can have dangerous consequences for vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly who may rely heavily on their caregivers for basic needs like food and nutrition.

This distinction is crucial as it highlights the specific responsibility caregivers have towards those they are tasked to care for, and neglecting that duty is not just a lack of action, but a failure that can lead to significant harm and legal repercussions.