The Justification of Lying

I believe there is no correct answer to the question "is lying justified or not". One must look at the situation and how it must be dealt with. For example, in a situation where a lie will keep someone from being emotionally or physically hurt, then I believe that it is morally right. But in a situation where a lie is told out of spite, meanness, manipulation, etc., then I believe it is not morally just. These types of lies usually backfire and create sticky situations.

Morally just lies are told for the good of an individual or society. A real life example of this would be a German willing to risk their lives to save a persecuted Jew. Miep Gies, the woman who hid the Frank family during the Holocaust, told many lies to the Nazis to preserve their safety and lives. This is an example of a morally ethic lie. An example of this from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing is when Don Pedro lies to Hero about his identity to help woo her for Claudio, "I know we shall have reveling tonight. I will assume thy part in some disguise, And tell fair Hero I am Claudio" (I.1.258-60). Although this plan is deceiving, in the end it brings Hero and Claudio together happily. This lie is a morally just lie because it is productive and furthers the relationship of Hero and Claudio. It gives Claudio a chance to be with the love of his life, because he may have been too shy or afraid to actually to take the first step. Ethically just lies are ones that are positive, helpful, and constructive.

A morally unjust lies are ones that are scheming and misleading. An example of this in real life would be a lie to deny cheating on the test, or robbing a bank, or even adultery. These types of lies are ones that hurt or trick others. One of the main plot points in Much Ado About Nothing
is built on a tangled web of lies. Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato all scheme to force Beatrice and Benedick to fall in love, "I, with your two helps, will so practice on Benedick that, in despite of his quick wit and his queasy stomach, he shall fall in love with Beatrice. If we can do this, Cupid is no longer an archer; his glory shall be ours, for we are the only love gods" (II.1.321-25).
Although the men may have good intentions, it is morally wrong to toy with the emotions and feelings to two people. To trick Benedick and Beatrice is definitely morally wrong and I believe that the men have no right to play games with their love. If the two ever find out about the plan, they will be furious, embarrassed, and it will ruin the relationship between the two of them.