Single Idea 24098

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 3. Punishment / a. Right to punish]

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Friedrich Nietzsche (Unpublished Notebooks 1882-84 [1883], 3[312])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.