From: wikien-l-bounces@Wikipedia.org [mailto:wikien-l-bounces@Wikipedia.org] On Behalf Of Delirium
Peter Mackay wrote:
It's morally wrong in any sort of degree. Stealing a cent
is the same
crime as stealing a million.
I would have to say there are precious few ethical systems that make that claim.
Most criminal codes will identify the crime of theft (or larceny) without discrimination as to amount: Theft is "...the dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theft#Theft_in_English_law
There is no "flagfall" amount to constitute the offence. However, it would be difficult to imagine being prosecuted for stealing a cent. Perhaps if you stole the pennies from a dead man's eyes, that might be deemed outrageous enough to prosecute?
Peter, firm but fare