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Myths in law
Myths in law

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4.2.3 Immoral but not illegal

A lot of immoral behaviour is not illegal. For example, cheating on a spouse or partner is not a crime.

Activity 9 Immoral or illegal?

Timing: Allow 5 minutes

Joshua is running along a canal path when he sees a small child struggling in the water. As he wants to finish his run and get to work on time, he does nothing to help the child.

Described image
Figure 16 Canal path
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Illustrative photograph of a short stretch of canal with an unpaved path running alongside it. In the background is a bridge crossing the canal, with steps leading up to it from the path.

Figure 16 Canal path
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Comment

You may well consider that Joshua’s failure to help the child is immoral. However, it is not illegal. The criminal law of England and Wales – unlike many other legal systems – does not generally criminalise omissions (i.e. failing to do something), although there are important exceptions.