Reply #9: But, you know, people really believe this type of reasoning

[frazzled]

I saw a thread here the other day saying that there was a report claiming that no harm had been done due to the theft of classified government information Bradley Manning allegedly stole and passed on. Therefore, they concluded, he should be released. I was dumbfounded that people believe this is the way the law works--especially with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Your example of hawking cocaine was excellent. One might also say: Mr. X placed a truck full of bombs outside the Supreme Court, but the bombs were apprehended before they exploded. Does that mean, since no one is harmed, there should be no conviction?

Jeebus.