Case LIV: Must an Informer Make Restitution for the Injury Caused by his Denunciation?

Fabian harbors hatred towards Sebastian and seeks an opportunity to revenge himself upon him. This opportunity offers itself when he discovers that the latter has undervalued dutiable goods, which he imports, and so defrauds the Customs, Fabian informs the authorities, and in consequence Sebastian is caught in the act and sentenced to the usual fine, which, of course, he must pay.

Question.—Has Fabian sinned against Sebastian, against justice, and is he obliged to make restitution?

Answer.—Fabian has sinned grievously against the love of the neighbor, because his denunciation was inspired by hatred, but not against justice, and, therefore, he is not bound to make restitution (compensatio), because the informer has violated no strict right of the other. In consideration of the public welfare everyone has the right, though not the duty, to report for punishment a person who commits a punishable act. Evidently he would not have acted unjustly if his hatred of Sebastian is left out of consideration; the motive, or interior intention, cannot change anything in this respect; it cannot make wrong something that of itself is right and lawful.

M. J. Schlager, D.D.