Can Crime be Considered Moral Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Can Crime be Considered Moral - Essay Example However, there are more than a few citizens who have committed crimes, acting out of concern for others or in protecting loved ones. To determine whether a crime is necessarily immoral, assumptions must be made. The first assumption is that all laws determine what consists of a crime based on harm or damage to others. The second is that all crimes hurt or bring harm to others, whether individuals, groups, corporations or other living things. The third assumption is that each citizen views harm in the same manner. Various cultural beliefs, ethical theories and value systems make it impossible for all citizens to each and every crime as moral or immoral. One who believes that murder is wrong, regardless of circumstances, may view an individual who has hurt or killed an intruder as wrong. Another may view self defense as allowable and justifiable. A serial murderer may be seen as evil or completely lacking in morals. Many in our society wonder how such an individual â€Å"can remain st eadfastly convinced of his own moral superiority and show not even the slightest glimmer of remorse.† (Silber). Most of society does not understand how the serial murderer can feel that way. Yet, the members of society will accept that â€Å"the five-year-old Iraqi girl who was killed by the same bombs that killed al-Zarqawi† was necessary to accomplish a goal. Murder is considered immoral, especially when victims are young and innocent. â€Å"Surely it is better for the world that men should be right from wrong motives than that they would do wrong with the best intentions.