Vices Are Not Crimes

Vices Are Not Crimes: A Vindication is a book written by Lysander Spooner, an American political philosopher, abolitionist, and legal theorist. The book is a passionate defense of individual liberty and an attack on the idea that vices should be punished as crimes. Spooner argues that vices, such as gambling, drug use, and prostitution, are not inherently harmful to others and therefore should not be subject to criminal prosecution. He believes that the government's role should be limited to protecting individuals from harm caused by others, rather than attempting to regulate their personal behavior. The book is a classic of libertarian thought and is still widely read and debated today. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the philosophy of individualism, the role of government in society, and the limits of state power.In the midst of this endless variety of opinion, what man, or what body of men, has the right to say, in regard to any particular action, or course of action, ""we have tried this experiment, and determined every question involved in it? We have determined it, not only for ourselves, but for all others? And, as to all those who are weaker than we, we will coerce them to act in obedience to our conclusions? We will suffer no further experiment or inquiry by any one, and, consequently, no further acquisition of knowledge by anybody?""This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.