The Trials of Oscar Wilde Criminalization

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What is the main focus of the passage's exploration of the principle of wrongfulness in relation to criminalization?

The prosecution of famous and beloved Irish playwrights in 19th century England

The criminalization of homosexuality in 19th century England and the prosecution of Oscar Wilde (correct)

The role of the process of criminalization in punishing behavior deemed criminal by society

The criminalization of heterosexuality in 19th century England

Why was Oscar Wilde able to display the close companionship of other men in public without arousing suspicion?

Because he was a foreigner and an artist, and society thought his closeness to these men was simply because he was different (correct)

Because he was famous and beloved, and society was unwilling to criminalize the behavior of such a prominent figure

Because he was a wealthy man, and society did not expect wealthy men to engage in homosexual love affairs

Because he dressed flamboyantly and socialized with important people, which drew attention away from his romantic relationships

What does the passage suggest about the role of criminalization in the prosecution of Oscar Wilde?

Criminalization was a necessary process to prohibit and punish Wilde's behavior, which was a threat to society

Criminalization was a misused principle, as Wilde's only crime was having a sexual orientation that society deemed wrongful (correct)

Criminalization was used to deter and punish Wilde's behavior, which was deemed wrongful by society

Criminalization played no significant role in the prosecution of Wilde, as he was targeted for his status as a wealthy and famous artist

What is the 'beating heart' of criminal law, according to the passage?

The process of designating acts as crimes and people as criminals Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Oscar Wilde's status as a 'wealthy and brilliant writer living in London' in the context of the passage?

It allowed Wilde to use his status to display the close companionship of other men in public without arousing suspicion Signup and view all the answers

What is the main message or lesson the passage aims to convey about the principle of criminalization?

Criminalization can be misused to target individuals and behaviors that do not normally result in harm, as seen in the case of Oscar Wilde Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason behind the Marquis of Queensbury's demand that his son stop seeing Oscar Wilde?

He was concerned about the nature of their relationship being romantic. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence did Edward Carson present during the trial that proved damaging for Wilde?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

What were the two key principles said to justify the criminalization of an act?

Harmfulness and wrongfulness. Signup and view all the answers

What did the 1895 Criminal Law Amendment Act in England prohibit?

Sexual relations between men, considered as "gross indecency". Signup and view all the answers

Which principle, according to the text, is based on subjective morality rather than objective harm?

Wrongfulness. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Wilde's arrest become inevitable, despite his status and discretion?

The evidence against him was overwhelming and public. Signup and view all the answers

What did Wilde state about love between two men during his trial?

That it was a misunderstood concept in that century. Signup and view all the answers

What did Wilde call love between two men in his famous statement during the trial?

A beautiful and noble form of affection. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals tried to persuade Wilde to drop his libel case against the Marquis of Queensbury?

George Bernard Shaw. Signup and view all the answers

What was Wilde's demeanor during the initial stages of the trial?

Confident and dismissive of the claims. Signup and view all the answers

What was Oscar Wilde's primary offense that led to his imprisonment?

Homosexuality Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what was the impact of Wilde's trial on societal perceptions of homosexuality?

It reinforced the stigma and scrutiny surrounding homosexuality. Signup and view all the answers

How did the principle of 'wrongfulness' influence the criminalization of homosexuality during Wilde's time?

Homosexuality was considered morally wrong, leading to its criminalization. Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, how has society's perspective on homosexuality evolved over time?

It has become more accepting and celebratory. Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, how did Oscar Wilde's imprisonment impact his later life and career?

It resulted in his permanent exile and inability to regain his previous success. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the questions posed at the end of the passage?

To promote a deeper understanding of the criminalization process and its complexities. Signup and view all the answers