Question

Outsiders Debate

How was Johnny NOT justified in killing Bob?

Answer 1

Johnny's justification in killing Bob is debatable, with arguments against it rooted in legal and ethical standards of self-defense and societal norms. The complexity is further underscored by historical and contemporary examples of how society responds to and perceives such acts, including factors like racial bias and media portrayal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The debate over whether Johnny was justified in killing Bob can be examined from multiple perspectives, and one might argue that Johnny was not justified in taking Bob's life, especially when viewed under the lens of legal definitions of self-defense. Legally, self-defense often requires the belief that one's life is in immediate danger. Johnny may have believed his life was threatened, but others might contend that there were alternative courses of action available that did not involve lethal force. The concept of justification is complex, integrating societal laws, ethical beliefs, and the specific circumstances leading up to the altercation. This complexity extends to discussions of societal norms, like the deterrence seen in tribal examples or the morality of dueling during different historical periods. Additionally, societal reactions to killings, such as the public and legal response to the Trayvon Martin case, highlight the influence of race and media representation on perceptions of justification and morality.

Answer 2

First of all, Johnny was justified in killing Bob. It was in self-defense, the Socs beat up Johnny before traumatizing him, and the only reason why Johnny had his switchblade was because of the same Socs who tried to kill Ponyboy. ... Because they drove Johnny and Ponyboy away, by forcing Johnny to kill Bob.