The definition of justice I prefer is one that views justice as a universal law or maxim one would willingly will to all individuals equally. This definition is based on KantÆs ôcategorical imperative,ö in which the first principle of morality is, ôLet the law be the sole ground or motive of thy willö (Kant, 2005, p. 1).
In the case of Dale and Mike, I believe justice was provided. In Gilbert and SullivanÆs Mikado, one lyric goes, ôMy object all sublime / I shall achieve in time-- / To let the punishment fit the crime-- / The punishment fit the crimeö (Gretton and Challis, 2005, p. 1). Only the Statd of Oregon allows physician-assisted suicide. It is criminalized in every other state. Therefore, this decision by the prosecutor fits the definition of morality and universality offered by Kant. We must respect the law if we are to expect others to obey it. Likewise, the punishment fits the crime in that, even if we emotionally understand and empathize with Dale, we cannot will murder as a universal law or action under any circumstances. DaleÆs action is against civil law and moral law, that being the Ten Commandments on which contemporary civil law is based, ôThou shalt not killö (Exodus 20: 13).
Finally, if I were the judge in this case, I would have sentenced Dale to the least amount of time possible, as he did. I would do this because I do not believe Dale represents any threat to society nor do I believe he will ever kill anyone again. As the Terry Schiavo case illustrates, DaleÆs action might be understandable but it cannot be considered just according to civil or moral law.
Bible. (King James Version). Viewed on May 2, 2005: http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_10c9.htm, 1-5.
Gretton, H., & Challis, N. ôAssessment: Does the Punishment Fit the Crime.ö Viewed on May 2, 2005: http://archives.math.utk .edu/ICTCM/EP-12/C99/pdf/paper.pdf, 1-6.
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