Full Idea
An attempted murder should be treated like a successful one, but with respect shown for the luck which saved him from total ruin.
Gist of Idea
Attempted murder is like real murder, but we should respect the luck which avoided total ruin
Source
Plato (The Laws [c.349 BCE], 877a)
Book Reference
Plato: 'The Laws', ed/tr. Saunders,Trevor J [Penguin 1970], p.397
A Reaction
The earliest reference to moral luck, I think. 'Repect' sounds vague, but it is asking judges to 'take it into consideration', which is quite practical. Attempted murderers are just as dangerous.