The guilt or innocence of suspects would be determined in a free society by an objective process, somewhat similar to today's court system, although the latter, like most institutions in our society, has been seriously tainted by statist and altruistic thinking. Since a liberal government would not have the power to conscript involuntary labor, jurors would have to be obtained by voluntary methods, such as the payment of a market wage (
). If found guilty, the offender would be liable for all costs incurred, whether directly or indirectly, by his or her offense. The following list is not intended to be exhaustive.
- Costs to the immediate victim(s). If the specific value taken by the crime cannot be restored, then the victim should, where possible, receive reimbursement for the estimated marginal cost of the crime on his or her personal value scale.
- Costs to indirect victims.
- Costs to heirs and survivors, in cases of murder or manslaughter.
- Costs of investigation and apprehension.
- Court costs, including jury fees.
- Costs of recovering payment (to be discussed below).
- Any interest costs associated with the above categories.
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