Ethical Question

[Aura Guardian]

I wouldn't turn my friends in. Fucking cops stopped me everytime I went to work. I had to walk to work for a month because my car was down. They come by and ask me the same question;
"Where are you off to?"
"To my JOB!!!"
And I was wearing my work clothes everytime

 

[Daveman]

If it was assault, then yes, I would grass. If my friend was stupid enough to do that, then they're not really my friend. I would maybe tell the truth giving them a more favourable light though. Of course I would know whether or not they felt remorse as well so that would affect it further but I would definitely tell.

 

[bodyklok]

Well, it's not that simple really. There are a few other questions that I asked myself like has my friend done this before? Who did they do it to? Were they drunk? If the answer to these questions were yes, someone who didn't deserve it, and no. Then I'd testify.

 

[ArcWinter]

It depends. How close was this friend? Who did they assault, and how badly? Did I participate in any way? Do I care? Can we run away and start a cattle ranch in Montana with my other friends with no repercussions? See, there are so many different aspects that can change any decision, no ethical question can be answered completely truthfully, because we can't see the future and we do not know ourselves well enough. And I can say that without a doubt, because any exceptions to that rule would not be answering ethical questions on the internet.

And if the question is in fact not about the actual situation but a badly veiled question "Personal interests or the law?" then I would choose personal interests even if my friend did not do anything, because the law has allowed so much to happen that should not, it's not a reliable medium to judge ANYTHING with.

 

[Charley]

For me, I'd give evidence. I've got no interest in associating with people who would commit assault, or any other crime of that ilk. There aren't really any good reasons for things like that (self-defence excepted, but you wouldn't be in a position to give damning evidence if that's what it was, so the point is moot).

And whilst it's going to be unpopular, I think if you had the opportunity to give evidence and do the right thing, and you choose not to, you're probably on the road to being just as bad.

 

[Beffudled Sheep]

If they were stupid enough to not finish the victim off and to get caught, then they deserve whatever they get. I would rat because the laws of the land are in my eyes more important than the laws of friendship. Plus one of the laws of my friendships that all my friends agreed upon is "If any of us were to be caught for committing a crime, all friends with knowledge will tell the proper authorities the truth. Wether that truth will condemn or free the captured friend."
I've had to use it three times and two of my friends are now spending the next 3 years of their lives in a federal prison.

 

[wewontdie11]

Totally depends if the guy had it coming or not. If it was unprovoked and my friend just walked up and smacked some guy I'd turn him in because that's a shitty thing to do and he should pay for his actions. If however it was accidental or strongly provoked then I wouldn't say anything.

 

[SharPhoe]

Yes. Regardless of which friend it is, I would not lie to authorities so they can get away with their rash actions. I'm sure they would understand.

 

[Avida]

Depends on the crime and the freind, some i'd take a bullet for, others can go fend for themselves in the prision system for all i care. And yes, they're all friends, its a weird system.

 

[Tech Team FTW!]

I don't want to be charged with withholding evidence.

Then again, the justice system is hardly infallible.

What I would do depends on the crime and the friend.

 

[puppydogvaan]

I'm a weasel, not a rat. I'd probably make some creative decisions as to exactly how much of the truth to tell, so I wouldn't feel like a liar, but also not like a ***** for snitching.

Friends are hard to come by for me, and I tend to latch on and give everything I have for them.

Of course, after I helped them out, I'd hold it over their head for as long as I knew them. "Why, no, I will not pick up my share of the tab. People who do not snitch do not pay for their own drinks."

 

[Lazzi]

We still cant give a strait awnser with out all the info.
It all depends on if this other person provoked your friend into attacking them.

 

[captainwolfos]

I consider anyone I would die for to be a friend. Anyone else is an idiot acquaintance.

So no, I wouldn't rat on a friend.

 

[teutonicman]

Yes I would give evidence, hell the victim wound up in a hospital. Luckily for me none of my friends are dumb enough to wind up in a situation like this.

 

[zacaron]

nope I didn't see it nothin happened officer g'night

 

[Seldon2639]

I would say I ain't seen shit. Or that I was high and don't remember. They can't persecute you for refusing to testify.

I would never rat out a friend.

Uh... Yeah they can. The fifth amendment protects you from having to testify against yourself. You could be prosecuted for contempt of court (for failing to answer a subpoena), or even as an accomplice to the crime.

We don't have the fifth amendment here, but my friend (one of those that I would never rat out BTW and the tought of it makes me sick), who studies law, told me about a funny loophole today: You can say that your friend was actually your lover and that way you don't have to testify against him, at least here.

It's much different wherever you are from here in America. I'd bet somewhere in Europe, given that loophole. In America (which is where I study law), privilege only exists between very specific groups and their clients: lawyers, doctors, priests (and other religious confidants), and spouses. Unless you're married, you can be compelled to testify against your significant other/lover/whoever else. I'm a little surprised they allow for simply "if you say you're in a relationship, you have the equivalent of spousal privilege", but I don't live there, so it's no skin off my back.

 

[Sneaky Paladin]

Hmm honestly would depend on the person he assualted.

If it was some pussy that needs to learn to suck it up no I would not rat on my friend the pussy deserves it.

If it was someone important he goes straight to prision

fellow friend is straight to prison

random person on the streets.....hmmmm depends how the persons life is. If it's the mother of 3 kids struggling to get them through school because the dad left or something like that he goes to prison. If the person is a douchebag my friend no go to prison

 

[sonidraw]

Well, this actually happened to me. Except the victim was also a friend. And I was the sole witness. However, it was a total accident, and I said as much to the police. There was no jail time (except for that first day of the incident), and my friends still get along, so I figure it all worked out well in the end.