One of the notable observations about our justice system is that its concept is black and white; it's understandable and generally agreed that law is an important part of our society that keeps it in order. Like it's commonly said, a village without law is a village without crime; having such in our community will lead to loads of commotion, putting the peace of such places in jeopardy. But then, while we are aware of the importance of law, we can't help but notice that there are some morally right crimes that are committed with good motive and the need to not treat people guilty of such like every other criminal. In this article I'll be sharing my take on this subject matter.
Before I delve into some crimes whose motive behind self is to tick the morally upright standard, first we must understand that a crime is a crime regardless of the motive behind it, and if peradventure we decided that we should start considering people's motives for committing any crime, then I won't be surprised if everyone starts utilizing these loopholes in our justice system to get away from being punished for a crime they committed with another intention, but uses another storyline that ticks the moral box to get away with it, but then, as we can't because of the evil perpetrators, condemns the good. Below I'll be listing some crimes I believe shouldn't face the full wrath of the law because of the motive behind them.
First on the list is probably because I watch many war films or recently watched some movies that explore the medical line, and so one of the crimes I felt shouldn't be taken with the full wrath of the law is assisted suicide. Yes, you read that correctly. Don't mind my thinking; like I said, it's due to recent movies I watched, so this set of people, for example, a soldier at the war front, might witness one of their colleagues going through severe pains and would even sometimes plead that their colleagues take their lives so they won't continue to feel that pain.
Now this is a complicated issue because at the time of the investigation of the cause of death, if your bullet is found in the colleague's body, it'll be difficult to prove you're only trying to help or held to your friend's cry for help, so I think in this situation, especially in developed countries where cause of death and things that happened before it can be vetted by the medical team, then these people shouldn't have to be punished for their crimes.
Another of such is, for instance, someone at a hospital or at the brink of death who's going through severe pain or is tired of being bedridden asked that a loved one or medical practitioner help them pull the plug, and they did. I don't think they should be made to face the wrath of the law if it's found out that they're the ones who initiated the death, although just like the first, this is a complicated issue and difficult to prove.
So I guess in a situation where you can get a camera to record and have proof that I'm telling the truth, this is what such a person asked, and then they can let you go freely, without personalizing you for your actions that are birthed out of human feelings, concern, empathy, and compassion for those around you.
Another of the list is regarding a real-life incident that happened in Enugu two years ago during the stay-at-home law stated by IPOB. During that particular order, no one was supposed to go out, but on that day, a particular pregnant woman’s water broke, and while she was in labor, the husband disregarded the stay-at-home law and drove his wife towards the hospital. While on their way, they were stopped by those who initiated the stay-at-home law, and despite all their pleas regarding why they disobeyed the law, they were both killed. I believe that's inhumane, and we should always give room to consider people's motives behind a crime before we judge or punish them.
There are several other instances of crime that people commit with a good motive at heart, and we should try as much as possible to look into that before judging them. Another instance is a situation where, let's say, you're walking along the road and a vehicle hits someone who's fighting for their life in your presence; if, peradventure, you're in the medical line and have knowledge about first aid but the only pharmacy closest to you isn't open, I don't think breaking in with the intention of getting the needed tools and medication to help the person involved in the accident should be deemed as a crime of stealing. When the motive is scrutinized and found to be legit, then such a person should be lauded for their noble act and not persecuted for trespassing or stealing.
All photos are taken and edited on canva.