But there have to be positives too. How do you game this "legally?" His kids are getting benefits but what about for him? He is legally dead, can you arrest a dead man? Can you collect taxes from a dead man? Can a dead man be sued? Can dead men lose gambling debts?
I'm sure that for anything big, they'd figure out a way to prosecute. But I'd definitely try to take full advantage if I were in that situation.
Judge: "You've been charged with driving 55 in a 45, in an unregistered car, with no license. How do you plead?"
Me: "Dead, your honor."
Judge: "Um...excuse me?"
Me: "I'd like to plead dead, your honor."
Judge: "That's not a valid...you're obviously not dead. Now answer me properly, do you plead innocent or guilty?"
Me: "I apologize judge, but I was at this very court last year, to plead that I was in fact alive. However, the Honorable Judge So-and-So ruled that I was, in fact, dead. I have with me my official death certificate, along with the ruling that I am, in fact, dead."
Judge: *Looks over the papers* "Hell, I don't have time for this bullsh...dismissed! Next!"
Next Defendant: "Um, can I plead dead like the last guy?"