Victimless Crime

Speaking to a California conference on the subject of victimless crimes, Branden opens by noting that there were probably five major issues which developed during the 1960's—the Vietnam War, the draft, racism ("biological collectivism"), women's liberation and victimless crimes. On each of the first four, libertarians let them become the domain of the left. His message: Don't blow it on the fifth. to or coercion of anyone else, which are crimes only by definition of law—victimless crimes. To the libertarian these laws make no sense, since crime cannot be properly viewed outside the context of coercion of one individual by another. The libertarian holds that moral interference where consenting adults are involved is wrong where no one else is injured. Branden then notes the relationship of interference by society in moral questions with interference in the economic sphere.

Branden defines libertarianism as a moral-political position concerned with the rights, the freedom of the individual. Its basic tenet is that it is morally wrong to initiate force against anyone.

One example of employing force against others arises when society declares illegal certain actions by an individual which do not involve harm.

During the course of his speech, and the very provocative question and answer period following, Branden deals with most of the common victimless crimes—drug laws, regulation of sexual practices and rights of mental patients. An incisive, informative recording.

Reviewed by Eric Scott Royce / Cassette Recording (58 Min. #206,) / BFL Price $7.50