Law of Thought and Deed

 Law of Thought and Deed

Definition of Law

A law is a rule or set of rules created and enforced by societal or governmental institutions to regulate behavior, with consequences for its violation. Laws are intended to maintain order, protect rights, and ensure fairness.

The Separation of Thought and Action

From the document "law of thought," we observe the distinction:A person does not break the law by inherently thinking something, they only break the law through action–that separates the law bringers from the law breakers.

This principle highlights the fundamental separation between internal thoughts and external actions in legal contexts. Thoughts themselves, no matter how malevolent or contrary to societal norms, are generally not subject to legal penalty. It is the manifestation of those thoughts into actions that may bring about legal consequences.

Deed Requiring Premeditation

Consider the deed of "premeditated robbery." This action requires a sequence of steps, beginning with thought:

1. Mental Formulation: A person conceives the idea of robbing a bank or store. This involves planning the details, such as the target location, method of entry, escape route, and potential use of weapons.

2. Deliberation: The person further contemplates the plan, weighing the risks, potential rewards, and possible consequences of being caught. This phase often involves rationalization or justification of the act.

3. Preparation: The person gathers the necessary tools, such as masks, weapons, or getaway vehicles. Surveillance of the target location may also occur during this stage.

4. Execution: The person carries out the robbery according to the plan, directly engaging in the criminal act.

Correlation with Breaking the Law

In this scenario, the act of robbery is indeed what breaks the law. However, the premeditation phase is crucial to the legal implications. If apprehended:

• The thought of robbing a bank, on its own, is not a crime. However, the evidence of premeditation, demonstrated by planning or obtaining tools for robbery, becomes crucial.

• The law focuses on the action (robbery) but considers the intentionality and planning (premeditation) as factors influencing the severity of the crime and potential penalties.

Defining Law Through This Lens

From this perspective, law can be defined not just as a set of rules governing overt acts but as a system that examines the intent and planning behind actions. It acknowledges the boundary between thought and deed, focusing on the latter, while still recognizing the role of the former in understanding culpability and assigning appropriate consequences. Law, in this sense, is also the judge of intentions revealed through preparatory actions.