Convicting Dudley and Stephens would serve several purposes, including upholding the rule of law and reinforcing the principle that even in dire circumstances, individuals cannot justify taking another person's life for survival. It would also send a strong societal message about the sanctity of life and the limits of moral reasoning in extreme situations. Furthermore, their conviction could deter others from resorting to similar acts of desperation, emphasizing the importance of ethical standards and human rights, even in crises.