|
|
#1
05-14-2007, 01:48 PM
|
|||
|
|||
Defining Law
I propose to define "law" as the following:
"Law" is the collective power of many exerted upon one to make him act in a manner that he otherwise would not act by the threat or application of violent force. Your thoughts? 
|
|
#3
05-14-2007, 02:01 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Re: Defining Law
[ QUOTE ]
Why must it be the collective power of many? [/ QUOTE ] Good question. Take for instance the power of a despot. Certainly not "many." But can a despot enforce his rule without the support, or at least the obedience, of a police force or army?
|
|
#4
05-14-2007, 02:07 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Re: Defining Law
From a practical standpoint, probably not, but I'm sure technology will allow enforcement by fewer and fewer as time goes on. Imagine for instance a small island with 30 unarmed people and one dictator with the ability to kill any and all 30 at will. Are his dictates "law"?
|
|
#5
05-14-2007, 02:13 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Re: Defining Law
This may not be worded eloquently enough, but how's this?
"Law" is the insistence by one or more that any number of others act in a manner that they may otherwise not coupled with the threat or application of violent force should those subject to the insistence disobey.
|
|
#6
05-14-2007, 02:19 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Re: Defining Law
Here's the definition I like:
The law is the rules that everyone in a jurisdiction must live by. I don't like the "violent force" part because arresting someone isn't violence and most people don't fear violent force as a result of speeding tickets.
|
|
#7
05-14-2007, 02:20 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Re: Defining Law
[ QUOTE ]
arresting someone isn't violence [/ QUOTE ] I disagree. You may choose to submit, but if you don't, violence will ensue. Not paying tickets will eventually result in arrest. See above.
|
|
#8
05-14-2007, 02:23 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Re: Defining Law
[ QUOTE ]
Here's the definition I like: The law is the rules that everyone in a jurisdiction must live by. I don't like the "violent force" part because arresting someone isn't violence and most people don't fear violent force as a result of speeding tickets. [/ QUOTE ] I don't like the "must live by" because that's inaccurate. You are free to break any law you wish. Regarding violent force, you left out the "threat" of violent force, which is always in the law's back pocket. Nobody breaking the law is worried about getting a stern talking-to. They're worried about force.
|
 |
|
|
Linear Mode
