Murder is unique in that it abolishes the party it injures, so that society has to take the place of the victim and on his behalf demand atonement or grant forgiveness it is the one crime in which society has a direct interest.

Summary

This quote suggests that murder is a distinctive crime because it not only harms the victim but also eliminates their ability to seek justice or resolution. Society then becomes responsible for seeking retribution or providing forgiveness on behalf of the victim. Unlike other crimes, murder is seen as having a direct impact on society as a whole, as it challenges the principles of justice and demands the involvement of the community in addressing the crime and supporting those affected by it.