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Debate Info

23
7
Yes, example... No because...
Debate Score:30
Arguments:24
Total Votes:30
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Argument Ratio

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 Yes, example... (16)
 
 No because... (7)

Debate Creator

Vermink(1944) pic



Is there ever a time where committing a crime is right?

Yes, example...

Side Score: 23
VS.

No because...

Side Score: 7
4 points

Crimes are only defined by the rules society created.

If the rules are unjust it's not inherently a crime, it's just a social standard broken. What I mean is this:

A starving kid should not die in an alley if there's a convenience store he can lift a candy bar from.

A gay man should not turn himself in if some is law is made against homsexuality.

A man should not sit quiet while he is attacked by another, just because the law says he's the other's property.

My examples were mostly showing unjust hypotheticals because the only example I can think of with today's rules is stealing to survive.

Side: Yes, example...
3 points

Yes! For example: Not wearing a seat belt. My mom's life was once saved because she wasn't wearing a seat belt, yet it's a 'crime'. There are a lot of stupid laws that I personally don't think should be a law, since at certain times they can be leathal.

Side: Yes, example...

Someone hands you a gun and commands you to murder them, this is after prior warning that if you do not murder them within thirty seconds of being handed the gun, they will strap a bomb to you, and will mutilate the genitalia of all of your family members if you refuse to pull the strap in a public airport's lobby.

If you refuse to murder them, you will be forced to suicide bomb, if you then refuse to suicide bomb, your family will be mutilated and you will be framed as an accomplice (since you will obviously be the only one who wouldn't be able to say you'd been mutilated out of your whole family).

Side: Yes, example...
7thDebater(294) Disputed
1 point

"Someone hands you a gun and commands you to murder them, this is after prior warning that if you do not murder them within thirty seconds of being handed the gun, they will strap a bomb to you,"

That's not really a crime. If they threatened you like that, then it is ok for you to kill them. I am sure the authorities would rather you kill a lunatic then bomb an airport.

Side: No because...
1 point

You'd have zero evidence of the threat.

Side: Yes, example...
1 point

It really depends on the situation. It also depends on what is meant by 'crime' in this context.

Perhaps a clear definition for debate purposes should be established. I know, it's a 'no brainer', but not everyone has the same exact definition of a crime.

Side: Yes, example...
1 point

Yes. Just like in the military, no one is expected to follow an unlawful order... no one is obligated to follow an unlawful or unConstitutional law. Dr King understood this and was arrested (I believe) on more than one occasion so that he could challenge those laws.

I would add that it's the right thing to do when the law is provably Un-Constitutional.

Side: Yes, example...
1 point

Crimes are wrong, however if someone is homeless and they NEED to eat, and no one will help them then it seems ok for someone to steal some food. As long as they don't severely harm anyone, it shouldn't be that bad. Also, if no one will help them then they may need to do it. People can't complain about their crimes if they just ignored the homeless people.

Side: Yes, example...
1 point

In my opinion it's yes........especially MONDAYS....(._.)

Side: Yes, example...
Vermink(1944) Clarified
1 point

Why especially Mondays?..

...............................................

Side: Yes, example...
1 point

Of course! If someone is attacking you, you have every right to attack that person back which would ultimately be considered assault. A crime is only excusable when it is legitimately for self defense reasons. Not saying you have to murder everyone that attacks you, but if someone is threatening you with a weapon, it is your right to do the same back as a form of self defense.

Side: Yes, example...
1 point

No, I don't think there is ever a time it is right to commit a crime. A crime must include intent. If the intent is to break the law is not there then it is not a crime. I have seen the other side giving examples of where you are forced to do something under threats to your life. But if you are forced to do something then it cannot be called a crime. It's like if someone holds a gun to your head and makes you sign some agreement or contract. That contract cannot be legally valid because it was obtained by threats of violence against you, no court would recognize it.

Side: No because...
Vermink(1944) Disputed
2 points

I'll give you an example. Do you still think its wrong if someone steals food to feed their starving family? (We'll take out forced crime for the time being)

Side: Yes, example...
NMNMN(44) Disputed
1 point

That's a bit more difficult. Stealing is a crime. However, if the person truly has no other option, say for example he truly cannot find work and even begging does not work because all the people in that community will not help him, then I don't think it would be a crime because the person has exhausted all other options and is doing it to preserve his life and that of his family. It has then become about survival, and in a way you are still being forced to do it, but by the community, not by a single person.

Side: No because...