Page:Moraltheology.djvu/291

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damage the property of an obnoxious political opponent, individuals who formed the crowd will only be obliged to make good the damage which they severally caused. Similarly, if injustice be done by picketing in a strike, the leaders will be bound to make reparation for all the injuries inflicted; the men who take part in it may be excused if they contribute their quota.

SECTION III

Order of Making Restitution

1. When several have co-operated in some act of injustice for which they are bound to make restitution there may be question as to who is primarily bound, and whether the others are excused if he repairs the damage. The answer to such questions will be clear from what follows.

When those who co-operated in injustice are only bound to restore ratably, no order need be observed among them. Each must fulfil his obligation independently of the others and restore his share. Even if they are bound jointly and severally to make restitution, but all co-operated in the unjust act in the same way as, e.g., by conspiracy and mutual help the question of order will not arise. Each and all are bound to restore their quota, and in default of any, the rest are equally bound to indemnify the injured person. If this has been done, those who indemnified the injured party will have a claim against the defaulters.

2. If, however, those who are guilty of an injustice in common co-operated in it in different ways and degrees, so that, for example, one gave the command, others executed it, and others who were bound to prevent it neglected to do so, then it is plain that all are not equally primary causes of the injustice, nor are all equally bound to make restitution. In such cases the co-operators are bound to make restitution in the following order: (a) If anyone has the property of the injured person he must restore it, for res clamat domino, (b) One who co-operates by command is the principal cause of the injury; the rest merely act in his name and for his advantage, so that he is primarily bound to make good the damage done. (c) Thirdly, those who inflicted the damage will be bound to make it good, (d) Then others who co-operated positively by advice, consent, or flattery, will be bound, (e) Finally, those who co-operated negatively.