Victimless “Crimes” are Not True CrimesAlexander S. Peak 2 December 2008 The anti-slavery movement adopted, as one of its key rationales for abolition, the concept of self-ownership. Every human naturally owns her or his own body, and as such no other human may invade the person or justly-acquired property of anyone else. When a slave would run away, the government enforced a victimless “crime” law called the Fugitive Slave Act, which forced runaways to return to their masters. The slaves had not aggressed against anyone by running away, and therefore the government’s actions constituted nothing short of violent invasion of the natural rights of slaves. Slavery, in short, was enforced by government edict. Although things have changed, we still have victimless “crime” legislation today. The government regularly engages in violent invasion against the rights of nonviolent drug users, prostitutes, gamblers, tax-evaders, and same-sex partners. This, of course, is true crime—and it comes from the hands of the state. In the Monday issue of The Towerlight, TUPD Captain Herring argues in favour of the violent enforcement of illegitimate drug laws “so we can control our own destiny.” What of the self-chosen destiny of nonviolent drug users? Do they not own their bodies? Are they not free, in accordance with natural law, to choose their own destiny so long as they do not infringe upon the equal rights of others? Capt. Herring goes on to say, “Instead of being reactive in cases where there is a victim such as a robbery, we are being proactive,” thereby admitting that his targets have victimised no one. Libertarians hold that the nonviolent drug-user is victimised by the violent invasion of the system, and that this injustice is inherently criminal. We strive for the immediate pardon of all nonviolent drug users, and an end to the destructive “war on drugs.” We recommend that Capt. Herring and all officers focus on fighting real crimes, such as rape, theft, and murder. Alex Peak served as President of the College Libertarians of Towson, 2004–2006; Membership Chair, 2006–2007; and Vice President, 2007–2008. |