ABSTRACT
Laws do not punish intent. However, a crime that begins with some action that manifests a willingness to follow the action through deserves punishment, but less than the actual execution of that crime. The importance of preventing an attempt justifies the punishment, especially as the interval between the attempt and the execution gives an opportunity for repentance when a greater punishment is reserved for the completed crime. Some courts offer a pardon to an accomplice of a serious crime who exposes his companions. Such an expedient has disadvantages and advantages. The disadvantages are that the nation authorizes betrayal and that crimes of courage are less fatal to the nation than those of cowardice because they occur infrequently and simply await a beneficent force and direction to turn them to the public good. The advantages are that it prevents important crimes by revealing their effects and the hidden authors who intimidate the people.
