Full Idea
The reasons used to justify the punishment for a crime can also be used to justify the crime.
Gist of Idea
Reasons that justify punishment can also justify the crime
Source
Friedrich Nietzsche (Unpublished Notebooks 1881-82 [1882], 3[312])
A Reaction
A splendid observation, even if it is not wholly true. The justification of capital punishment appeals in some way to the whole of society, but a murderer could hardly do that.
Book Reference
Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Joyful Science, and 1881-82 fragments (v 6)', ed/tr. Del Caro,Adrian [Stanford 2023], p.77