Editorial June 17, 1985 Issue

The motive behind the action

WILLIAM E. MOODY

When a criminal case is tried in a court of law, the prosecutor presents whatever evidence has been collected that would prove the defendant actually committed an offense. And it may also be necessary that the prosecution's case specifically establish sufficient motive for the crime. After a verdict is reached, the standard of justice in human law generally recognizes that the thought which compelled the misdeed is a significant factor in determining an appropriate sentence. A premeditated crime, for example, will often carry a more severe penalty than a similar offense committed in a moment of passion or when extenuating circumstances were involved.

In Science and Health, the textbook of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy writes: "Our courts recognize evidence to prove the motive as well as the commission of a crime. Is it not clear that the human mind must move the body to a wicked act? Is not mortal mind the murderer? The hands, without mortal mind to direct them, could not commit a murder."

Further on, in the next paragraph, Mrs. Eddy asks: "Can you separate the mentality from the body over which courts hold jurisdiction? Mortal mind, not matter, is the criminal in every case; and human law rightly estimates crime, and courts reasonably pass sentence, according to the motive."^{Science and Health, pp. 104–105.}

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