Final answer:
Jessica could potentially face charges of involuntary manslaughter or child abuse, depending on her intention and if criminal negligence is established. The prosecution must provide substantial evidence that Jessica's actions were excessively harsh and caused Savannah's death.
Step-by-step explanation:
The criminal charge against Jessica should be based on the legal considerations of the harm caused and the culpability of her actions. In the tragic scenario provided, it appears that Jessica's action of forcing Savannah to run for three hours without a rest, leading to severe dehydration and resulting in a seizure and death, could potentially be involuntary manslaughter or child abuse. In determining the appropriate charge, considerations would include Jessica's intention behind the punishment, her awareness of the potential harms of such an extreme form of physical exertion, and her failure to provide the necessary care to prevent Savannah's death.
The charge of involuntary manslaughter could be applied if it is determined that Jessica acted with criminal negligence; that is, she should have known that her actions were likely to cause harm. Similarly, child abuse charges might be considered if it is found that Jessica's punishment was excessively harsh and directly led to Savannah's death. In any case, to obtain a conviction, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Jessica's actions were the direct cause of Savannah's death and that they constituted a criminal act.