Is failing to predict an earthquake a crime?

Apparently, it is in Italy. An Italian court on Monday sentenced seven scientists and experts to six years in prison because they provided “inexact, incomplete and contradictory information” about a potential earthquake before it hit central Italy in 2009. The scientists were charged with manslaughter for failing to adequately warn residents of a 6.3-magnitude quake that killed 300, left 65,000 homeless and devastated parts of the medieval city of L’Aquila. An appeal is expected.