Victimless Crime and Punishment

The problem with victimless crimes is that no restitution can be made. If you steal something, repay it five-fold. If you damage something, repay two-fold. In fact, God's Word contains His own rules for how to repay damages. Gary DeMar's article outlines this very well.

This is a far superior system to the prison system for endless reasons, not the least of which is actual rehabilitation of the perpetrator. One of the most important differences, though, is the way in which self-inflicted injuries are handled.

Firstly, I cannot steal from myself. Secondly, I cannot make restitution if I kill myself. So, how do we approach things like doing drugs? What restitution can be made if, on my own property, I smoke marijuana, snort crack, shoot-up heroine, etc.? The answer, obviously, is none at all. I have in no way damaged anyone's property, hence the title, "Victimless Crimes".

"But," some might say, "what if you go and hurt someone or damage property because you are impaired by these drugs?" God's Word deals with that just as clearly. MAKE RESTITUTION. I think I'm sensing a pattern here. No jail. The only public resources used (read: taxes) would be those used to determine how much restitution must be made and enforcement of the restitution.

Amazingly, or not so amazingly, God's Word does a wonderful job of clearing up the whole War on Drugs issue. IT IS A COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME. If government has a role, it is to protect private property rights. That's it.

"But," some might say, "when people get hooked on drugs, they ruin families and other relationships!" You're right. That does happen. Are you seriously suggesting that it is the government's job to fix that for you? Furthermore, do you really think the government will do a better job of that than friends, family, and perhaps the Church? Yikes!

Furthermore, were drugs perfectly legal, the whole addiction scene would be entirely different, but that is an article for another day. In fact, it's been written many times already by Mark Thornton.

If you are able to view crimes from the perspective of the necessary restitution, you may able to understand the drug problem in a new light. And you might be able to use the phrase, Victimless Crimes, without a hint of sarcasm.