Is “No Victim, No Crime” True?

Is “No Victim, No Crime” True?

by GEORGE DONNELLY on JULY 18, 2011

“No victim, no crime,” is a catchy refrain. But is it true? Let’s put it to the test. Check out this video in which Beau Davis is peacefully riding down the sidewalk. He’s not hurting anyone. He’s not even trespassing.

But some critics at CopBlock.org say this activity presents a risk to other people. It’s a “safety issue.” Beau could go too fast or lose control. Someone could get hurt. Compare it, they say, to when someone drives drunk or shoots a gun into the air. Not every instance results in someone getting hurt. But sometimes, people will get hurt – very badly. Thus, these “safety issues” need to be controlled. And, I suppose, the police are the only ones around to do it.

Many actions can be considered a safety issue when done irresponsibly. The risk is present not as much in the act of driving, discharging a firearm or riding a skateboard as it is in the way the act is done. Is it being done responsibly or irresponsibly? After all many people discharge firearms, ride skateboards and drive a car (after drinking or not) without hurting anyone.

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