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Originally Posted by FoolThemAll
Actually, I think it goes both ways. Our laws effect sociological change and vice-versa. I do think that legalizing rape would significantly increase the instances of rape. But not every able-bodied male would take part in the deed, of course, because the law is only one factor in behavioral influences.
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I can't say that legalities ever entered into my mind in my continious decision to not commit rape. Nor of anyone I know of. Hell, it's not even a decision really. I think that if legalities ever become a deciding factor, the decision has been made and it's a terrifying one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FoolThemAll
There's one problem I see with this line of reasoning: the penalties for speeding and underage drinking are much less severe. I'd imagine that is a big reason for the huge amount of risk-taking in those areas.
Assuming we were to treat, legally, abortion as we treat infanticide, I don't think your above argument would be nearly as appropriate. Now, if we were to treat it like drug use or even drunk driving...yeah, I could see that.
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Well, I agree with you there to an extent. If we were to deal out harsh sentances for abortion(such as life) and abortion was something that was easily detectable, I think laws would decrease abortion. However, people goto abortion clinics as an optimal choice for safety and comfort. There are many other forms of abortions which cannot be even remotely detected. So even with harsh punishments, I don't think laws could decrease abortion. Plus, I don't think we'd ever get to the point where we would ever deal out harsh punishments. No one wants to see a young girl handcuffed and sent to jail over this. Few people would ultimately be able to stomach it, even pro-lifers. There a world of difference between fighting for verdict and fighting for the punishment. If you asked pro-lifers what the actual punishment should be, I think most would say something minor. Most haven't thought that far because to them, it's a battle for values and sending young girls to prison is not a value.