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It's a moral problem that the government is making into…

“It's a moral problem that the government is making into criminals people, who may be doing something you and I don't approve of, but who are doing something that hurts nobody else.” quote by Milton Friedman
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“It's a moral problem that the government is making into criminals people, who may be doing something you and I don't approve of, but who are doing something that hurts nobody else.”

Milton Friedman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Criminalizing non-harmful actions creates moral issues; the state should not punish harmless behavior.

In simple terms: Punishing harmless acts is a moral problem.

Key Takeaway

Avoid criminalizing harmless behavior.

Themes

freedom government ethics

Mood

thoughtful concerned

Type

philosophical policy

When to use this quote

  • drug policy
  • speech regulation
  • personal conduct

Key Concepts

legal theory civil liberties

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should the law intervene in personal choices?
  • When does harmless behavior become harmful?
A Different Perspective

Some argue that any illegal act harms society indirectly.

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