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Your scientist had no intent on killing anyone. Drone strikes are intended to kill. It's an unapt comparison for a discussion about two groups deliberately killing people. One classified as "terrorism" and the other classified as "war as usual/collateral damage" when they kill innocent people.

I was responding to a comment stating "I don't see why intention matters"

Not if you assume punishment is the appropriate response to a crime. But if you think a mixture of public safety, admonishment, and rehabilitation is the better response, then yes probably.

I don't think that is the best example. It can be as simple as someone intentionally running over a cat versus backing out and not noticing it.