The New Ideas Blog

The concept of crime is not limited to illegality. Most of us can think of “legal” crimes in other times and places. Owning slaves in 1850, for example, was certainly a crime against humanity, even if it was allowed by law. And making laws to preventing certain races from marrying did not make it less of a crime to stop two people from being together. Worse examples can be found as well.

Now, what about an example from here and now? Will it someday be seen as a crime (more…)

What is the point of fining corporations for their illegal acts? To punish them? How do you “punish” an organization?

Seriously, what do you think it accomplishes? If, for example, a company dumps toxic waste illegally and potentially poisons people as a result, the common legal response is to make them clean up the mess (now that’s a good idea) and assess a punitive fine against them. But what does this (more…)