Full Idea
The reasons used to justify the punishment for a crime can also be used to justify the crime.
Gist of Idea
Reasons that justify punishment can also justify the crime
Source
Friedrich Nietzsche (Unpublished Notebooks 1882-84 [1883], 3[312])
Book Reference
Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Fragments from the period of 'Zarathustra' (v 14)', ed/tr. Loeb/Tinsley [Stanford 2019], p.77
A Reaction
A splendid observation, even if it is not wholly true. The justification of capital punishment appeals in some way to the whole of society, but a murderer could hardly do that.