Is assassination ever justified?

Define assassination?

An assassination is the killing of a famous or public number, generally by shock strike and for political purposes. Assassinations may be provoked by ideological, political, religious or military reasons. Additionally, assassins may be inspired by revenge, financial gain, or individual public recognition.

 

Is Assassination Ever Justified?

In Favor Arguement

Many deaths and much suffering could be prevented if one man is killed. The greater good demands a single evil act is done, especially if it would avert the immediate and certain danger of much worse evil. The alternatives to assassination would all leave a dictator in power for many years. In that time not only will many more people suffer under a repressive system, but the policies pursued by an out-of-touch and unrepresentative regime are likely to do serious (if unintentional) harm to the whole nation and its economy, making eventual rebuilding much more costly in both human and economic terms.

Counter Arguement

Murder can never be justified. If we assume the role of executioner without the backing of law we are sinking down to the level of the dictators. Any new government founded upon such an arbitrary act will lack moral legitimacy, undermining its popular support and making its failure likely. By assuming the power to take life arbitrarily, even in an apparently good cause, we cheapen the value of life itself. Many terrorists, criminals, or indeed dictators could and have claimed similar legitimacy for their violent actions. Only if we ourselves respect human rights absolutely, will our promotion of these values seem valid to others.

Modern Day Example of Assassination

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865. Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., as the American Civil War was drawing to a close, just six days after the surrender of General Robert E. Lee ...