more from Michael Walzer

Single Idea 23590

[catalogued under 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 4. Responsibility for Actions]

Full Idea

It is a feature of criminal responsibility that it can be distributed without being divided. We can, that is, blame more than one person for a particular act without splitting up the blame we assign.

Gist of Idea

Criminal responsibility can be fully assigned to each member of a group

Source

Michael Walzer (Just and Unjust Wars [1977], 19)

Book Reference

Walzer,Michael: 'Just and Unjust Wars' [Penguin 1984], p.309


A Reaction

How far can this extend? To a large violent mob? To an entire nation? In court the responsibility is usually adjusted in the sentencing, rather than in the initial verdict.