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The real criminals are the often the ones in power. This would make the world less safe and help real criminals commit crimes with impunity, by targeting those who would seek to hold them to account.

>>aussie+(OP)
> The real criminals are the often the ones in power

I mean, by definition, no. We usually call those "officials" or similar, it's not until convicted that they become "criminals".

>>diggan+Oc
"criminal" is not defined as "convicted criminal".

>>detaro+7d
there is benefit in making the distinction

>>diggan+Oc
In authoritarian regimes, officials often get away with peadophilla/child molestation, drug trafficking, rape and murder.

The first two are often used as justifications for taking freedom away and giving more control or power to the government. However that gets us closer to an all powerful, unaccountable government.

Power corrupts, sooner or later those who wish to commit these crimes will seek out official positions where they can commit them with impunity.

>>diggan+Oc
I think he means it in an abstract sense where people can transgress "natural law" are criminals even though the de jure law might contradict it. I think it comes from this old idea that legislation is really about discovering the natural law that governs human socialization and conviction is about discovering criminals.

>>aussie+(OP)
The net of law is spread so wide,

No sinner from its sweep may hide.

Its meshes are so fine and strong,

They take in every child of wrong.

O wondrous web of mystery!

Big fish alone escape from thee!

— James Jeffrey Roche (1847-1908)