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Originally Posted by lookout123
Why? Did I steal it? Did I do anything to possess it other than be born? Did the other guy do anything that necessarily entitles him to possess it? If it is something that is easily identifiable as historical item of significance and important to the other guy's family, then it would be an act of class to gift it to him, but certainly not necessary.
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How does this compare to, say, things stolen by the Nazis in WWII? How about buying stolen speakers out of the back of a van? (Assuming the items in question can be verifiably traced back to the specific people they were stolen from.)
On the one hand, I feel there is definitely a statute of limitations on crime--not just a legal one, but an ethical one. But on the other, if all you did to get the expensive jewelry was to be born, then if it's returned to the rightful owner then that shouldn't really affect you either, right?