# I have a super power. What are the ethical, moral, and legal considerations of using it? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 29, 2024, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-super-power-what-are-the-ethical-moral-and-legal-considerations-of-using-it/1002250 "2024-05-29T23:55:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-super-power-what-are-the-ethical-moral-and-legal-considerations-of-using-it/1002250/21 "2024-05-30T19:24:21Z")
That could work. But, again, if it’s self-evident that the source info that led to the new evidence (hence, the former’s inadmissibility), then no go. But this end around would work, I think. Tricky! ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-super-power-what-are-the-ethical-moral-and-legal-considerations-of-using-it/1002250/22 "2024-05-30T19:28:26Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > You wouldn’t happen to have a golden lasso, would you? I hadn’t considered it, but it is basically that power without the cool outfit. > [@TriPolar](#): > > Why on earth would you ever let the government or anyone else know just what your superpower is or how it works? Use it for good if you can. Someone would figure it out or at least close enough. I would only be able to contribute so many anonymous tips before someone would start trying to track me down considering the limited geographic scope I would be in. Better to get ahead of it and negotiate a profitable contract for myself. > [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > Per L&O, did they ever do an episode where the cops got a phone call — no, I don’t want to give my name; let’s just say I’m an _anonymous tipster_ — explaining where you can find, oh, say, the murder weapon? I saw another show with that action. When it up in court that the tipster was a LEO the judge threw out the evidence. ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-super-power-what-are-the-ethical-moral-and-legal-considerations-of-using-it/1002250/23 "2024-05-30T19:46:19Z")
> [@bump](#): > > Does this voice interface just answer yes/no and factual questions, or can it describe things? Like answer “why” questions, rather than who/what/where type questions? It will answer basic why questions, but not debate philosophy. Why did you rob that store? I needed money. Why did you attack that man? He’s gay. Why is that bad? … … … … > [@bump](#): > > Also, does this doppleganger know things the person doesn’t consciously know? Nope. Just factual info. If the person believes themselves to be straight, that’s what the dupe “knows”. > [@bump](#): > > I think I’d go into politics if I had this sort of ability. I’d have to be an advisor. I absolutely do not have the people skills to be in any position dealing with people. But my skill would allow me to vet whomever I’m supporting with 100% confidence. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-super-power-what-are-the-ethical-moral-and-legal-considerations-of-using-it/1002250/24 "2024-05-30T19:57:28Z")
> [@Projammer](#): > > I saw another show with that action. When it up in court that the tipster was a LEO the judge threw out the evidence. Well, fair enough; but that’s why my clever plan is to — not be a LEO. (Not to _fake_ not being one; just: _not be one._) ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-super-power-what-are-the-ethical-moral-and-legal-considerations-of-using-it/1002250/25 "2024-05-30T21:11:57Z")
> [@Projammer](#): > > It will answer basic why questions, but not debate philosophy. I was meaning more along the lines of “Why do you like/dislike X?” or “What about X makes you angriest?” Not necessarily philosophical questions, but ones where the response isn’t a simple yes/no or a single item of data, like “Do you prefer Coke or Pepsi?” Instead, could you ask it “Why do you prefer visiting Alabama instead of Mississippi?” ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2024, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-super-power-what-are-the-ethical-moral-and-legal-considerations-of-using-it/1002250/26 "2024-05-31T01:40:33Z")
> [@Stratocaster](#): > > But this end around would work, I think. Tricky! Like I said- Confidential informant. No, you cant just go in and say “my superpower proved him a liar” and it you said your “fruit” came from that, yes, it would be inadmissible- in most cases- IANAL. But since people arent going to believe in such a super power- saying Confidential informant would get around it. IANAL. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2024, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-super-power-what-are-the-ethical-moral-and-legal-considerations-of-using-it/1002250/27 "2024-05-31T03:49:35Z")
> [@Projammer](#): > > Someone would figure it out or at least close enough. I would only be able to contribute so many anonymous tips before someone would start trying to track me down considering the limited geographic scope I would be in. Better to get ahead of it and negotiate a profitable contract for myself. I don’t see why. You’ll be incredibly influential, able to set yourself up for life quite easily, and you have no need to reveal how you do it, or what it is you actually do unless there’s a requirement to do it front of people, which I assume looks like you talking to yourself. No matter what I wouldn’t crawl in bed with any government. That’s the way you end up in a steel cage in a secret location, drugged up and tortured for the ‘good of the nation’. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2024, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-super-power-what-are-the-ethical-moral-and-legal-considerations-of-using-it/1002250/28 "2024-05-31T05:10:28Z")
The other issue is going to be, not the investigation, but the trials. You’re going to be the most hated and dangerous person on Earth in short order. Because, assuming you dodge all the self-incrimination counters, you’ll still have to testify as the source of that information sooner or later. And if people know you can do this… well, I’d bet many quatloos that the assassins would be queing up to take you out, or take you into custody for their governments, corporate, or criminal overlords. Even working for Uncle Sam, you’re basically going to be going from holding cells, to armored cars, to court rooms, to armored cars to secure bunker for the rest of your life. You’re never going to be free again. And that’s leaving out all the civil lawsuits that can be brought against you, which may or may not be successful, but will further leave your in the dull corridors of our legal system for the rest of your life. And if you get caught in a perceived lie or incomplete information (you asked the wrong question, or made a silly assumption, or just had a brain fart one day) the lynching will begin. Ethically/morally, I agree it’s no different from mind reading, although perhaps less rapey than some versions. While the US goes back and forth of the definitions and assumptions of some sort of right to privacy, I don’t think anyone is going to consider this one on the moral or ethical side of that argument. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2024, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-super-power-what-are-the-ethical-moral-and-legal-considerations-of-using-it/1002250/29 "2024-05-31T07:07:02Z")
Obviously because he’ll have on his leotard of spandex, in flashy(no not that _Flash_) colors. A grown man. Whispering to people, dressed like that? Yep, LE will get involved. In booking he’ll have to tell his occupation. Gigs up. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2024, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-super-power-what-are-the-ethical-moral-and-legal-considerations-of-using-it/1002250/30 "2024-06-01T10:52:34Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Obviously because he’ll have on his leotard of spandex, in flashy(no not that _Flash_) colors. > > A grown man. Whispering to people, dressed like that? Yep, LE will get involved. I’m now contemplating a world where we have a real-life superbeing who uses his amazing power to foil crimes and save lives, and who for some reason insists on doing it as a grown man who parades around in public wearing a flashy spandex ’hero’ leotard while having whispered conversations in front of people. That’s right: he’s one of those big-city street performers, clad in a tacky superhero costume, who’d sure be willing to pose for a photo with you or your kid or this or that tourist just as soon as he finishes that hushed conversation he’s having with his cellphone up to his ear. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2024, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-super-power-what-are-the-ethical-moral-and-legal-considerations-of-using-it/1002250/31 "2024-06-01T11:56:49Z")
It’s definitely the fourth amendment, not the fifth, that comes into play. You’re not violating a person’s right against self-incrimination, any more than you’d be violating it if you read their diary or tapped their phone. But you’re violating their right to privacy, and a warrant would need to be involved if you were in law enforcement. Outside of law enforcement, similar concerns would apply. By default, people have a right to privacy. If you’re gonna violate it with your superpower, you’d better have a good reason. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-super-power-what-are-the-ethical-moral-and-legal-considerations-of-using-it/1002250.md?page=1)