So we are learning about David Cash in class, and the public outcry to arrest him brings up an interesting issue. That being how closely related are our moral standards and legal standards? Because it doesn't seem right to make immorality illegal. And I'm not saying what Cash did was right, it was immoral beyond belief and he absolutely should have acted to save Sherrice Iverson. Ostracizing Cash socially makes sense because you label him as this immoral monster, but legal prosecution don't and shouldn't have any grounds. There are many things in our society that are immoral (to many people) but it would seem ridiculous if we tried to outlaw them. Things like cheating on a spouse or breaking a promise to a friend. Now I know there's a huge difference between a broken promise and a life lost. But if you create a legal consequence for not acting according to moral standards alone, then it could open the door to ridiculous laws. Because where would you draw the line between immoral and illegal? I think Cash's refusal to take action or even give an apology is extremely immoral, but not illegal.
http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialSciences/ppecorino/INTRO_TEXT/Chapter%208%20Ethics/Mores_Law_Morality.htm
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