I think you're making my argument sound simpler than it is, by presenting it as a false dichotomy. There's a large range of options between "strictly illegal" a

I think you're making my argument sound simpler than it is, by presenting it as a false dichotomy. There's a large range of options between "strictly illegal" and "encouraged as a fun Sunday activity for the entire family". So for example, there are jurisdictions in which there is a way to get murder approved by the authorities – that's what capital punishment is. Instead of illicitly murdering someone, you go through the system to make sure it's an appropriate murder. Similarly, there are jurisdictions where suicide can happen above board, often going by the nicer sounding term assisted euthanasia. Jaywalking is also not as strictly illegal as one might at first think: in most jurisdictions I'm familiar with, taking the proper precautions and following procedure, road workers are allowed to traverse roads in active use. Many forms of gambling are also allowed, often disguised as "providing financial services", with plenty of regulation to make sure it's done somewhat responsibly. I'm not saying I agree or disagree with these legal choices, mind you. All I'm saying it's not as unimaginable as you make it out to be that sometimes things which we think of as criminal offenses at base could be justified in some cases, and that doesn't mean it automatically becomes a free-for-all. However, I do find it harder to even imagine a situation in which something like rape or drunk driving could be justified and that it should be allowed to happen as long as its done responsibly with relevant professionals involved. ---- So I guess now I'm in a tricky position: as a general rule, I would like to say that "yes, things that are going to happen anyway, we might as well provide a legal route for, with the proper checks and controls, and the professional support necessary to make sure the application is proper". On the other hand, if you asked me outside of this argument whether I'm a proponent of capital punishment, rape, or drunk driving in any shape, I would give you a firm no.