But moral arguments are never bullshit. What if the highest authority in today's system was a dictator? - Mike
Depends on the moral argument. This is a case specific scenario.
I don't see it playing out in the real world as described by these participants, myself included.
Its highly unlikely the events would culminate as described, resulting in a decision of such importance resting squarely on your shoulders. Most likely, the guy would be busted because he fucked up somewhere along the line, and never would have told anyone.
Secondly, if he did tell you its likely he told someone else and now the damage control I mentioned earlier shifts gears because you are not the only one who has that sensitive info. Now it becomes a simple case of CYA, may the best man win.
I personally would be very pissed at someone if they shared that info with me, and due to the way this kind of shit plays out, its equally possible I might just render that person harmless and drag his ass to the cops. Hate to do it, but they endangered me for no goddamn reason. Rule #1. Protect the self. If some halfwit goes around endangering you by sharing some really nasty secrets, whats the chances he will stop dragging you into his fuck-ups in the future, or also not include you in the next time he tells the story? Its probably zero to expect that level of sophistication from a dimwit who shares that kind of info so easily.
What good could come from sharing such a secret with an innocent man? Its not like sharing a joint or sneaking away from a fender bender, both I've done and would simply lock away in the vault.