Why Should Victimless Crimes Be Criminally Prohibited?

According to legal scholar, Morris Cohen, why should victimless crimes be criminally prohibited? ... Because victimless crimes cause social harm and all acts that cause social harm are criminally prohibited. Because one of the functions of criminal law is to express the public's shared sense of morality.

Why are victimless crimes illegal?

Once a majority believes that the law is unnecessary, this law prohibits a victimless crime, until it is repealed. Many victimless crimes begin because of a desire to obtain illegal products or services that are in high demand. ... The War on Drugs is a commonly cited example of prosecution of victimless crime.

How do victimless crimes affect society?

Victimless crimes often provide goods and services (such gambling, prostitution, and drugs) for which there is considerable demand. Organized crime has been able to provide these desired commodities, and victimless crimes serve to fund these groups, creating a lucrative market and keeping such groups in business.