Since this topic isn't only about "Electrics UK", but about a particular criminal act, and whether or not it's OK to commit it, I disagree with your assertion that an etymological discussion is out of scope.
As to whether or not most people have committed a criminal act (like speeding), I agree, but I wouldn't say that we/they are classed as criminals in perpetuity.
For example, if I had set fire to the dry grass on a railway embankment, as a youth, and caused a lot of damage, and 'got into trouble' over it, then without doubt I would have been a criminal. As a more mature adult, if I have a policy of abiding by the law, then I'd maintain that I would no longer be a criminal. Similarly, I'm no longer a child, although I'm sure that I have been one.
Personally, my view of someone who's convicted for a serious offence, and serves a custodial sentence for it, and who shows regret and a change of attitude, is that their criminality is effectively rescinded.
Equally, my view of someone who demonstrates that they don't care whether or not something they plan to do is illegal, only about whether or not they're likely to get caught and the severity of the penalty, is that the personal is of criminal intent, until the day that he changes his mind.
As to whether or not most people have committed a criminal act (like speeding), I agree, but I wouldn't say that we/they are classed as criminals in perpetuity.
For example, if I had set fire to the dry grass on a railway embankment, as a youth, and caused a lot of damage, and 'got into trouble' over it, then without doubt I would have been a criminal. As a more mature adult, if I have a policy of abiding by the law, then I'd maintain that I would no longer be a criminal. Similarly, I'm no longer a child, although I'm sure that I have been one.
Personally, my view of someone who's convicted for a serious offence, and serves a custodial sentence for it, and who shows regret and a change of attitude, is that their criminality is effectively rescinded.
Equally, my view of someone who demonstrates that they don't care whether or not something they plan to do is illegal, only about whether or not they're likely to get caught and the severity of the penalty, is that the personal is of criminal intent, until the day that he changes his mind.
