If society reached a consensus that a behavior was morally unacceptable, what term would Devlin use to describe this?

Devlin would refer to the term "collective judgment" to describe the scenario where society reaches a consensus that a behavior is morally unacceptable. This term captures the essence of a shared understanding and agreement among members of a society regarding moral standards and acceptable behavior. When a behavior is deemed morally unacceptable, it reflects a collective position informed by cultural values, social norms, and moral beliefs. Devlin emphasizes the importance of societal consensus in shaping and upholding legal standards, suggesting that laws should reflect the moral judgments held by the community.

The other terms, while related to societal views, do not encapsulate the concept of a moral consensus as effectively. "Social norm" typically refers to established patterns of behavior in a group but may not explicitly include moral judgments. "Public opinion" can fluctuate and might not reach a clear consensus, and "cultural belief" tends to be more focused on deep-seated values rather than a unified decision on morality. Thus, "collective judgment" precisely conveys the idea of a societal agreement on moral issues.