status update
2010-08-30 22:26:15.927226+00 by Dan Lyke 7 comments
Fact for the moment: Without enforcement, everything is legal.
2010-08-30 22:26:15.927226+00 by Dan Lyke 7 comments
Fact for the moment: Without enforcement, everything is legal.
[ related topics: Law ]
comments in descending chronological order (reverse):
#Comment Re: made: 2010-09-04 01:06:29.655226+00 by: Shawn
Agreed. But it doesn't change the fact that even with a structure to enforce them, the law is also just a set of opinions. Yes, to some extent I'm arguing semantics. But I think semantics are more important than we generally give them credit for.
#Comment Re: made: 2010-09-03 14:51:35.431226+00 by: Dan Lyke
Shawn, true, but without a structure to enforce a set of opinions, law is just a set of opinions. What gives those opinions weight is a buy-in to the process that lets us communally use violence to enforce them.
#Comment Re: made: 2010-09-03 00:49:12.059226+00 by: Shawn
I beg to differ. Or, rather, assert that the statement is born out of a common misconception:
Law is simply a guide. Removing enforcement may make the guide useless, but does not materially alter the guide itself. It would perhaps be more accurate to say, "Without enforcement, there is no consequence." Legal can inform consequence, but it is not consequence itself.
#Comment Re: made: 2010-08-31 18:07:01.719226+00 by: meuon [edit history]
Blackmail: Better Business Bureau
Extortion: Chamber of Commerce
Selective Prosecution: IRS, State Department of Revenue, DHS, All cops, judges and lawyers.
#Comment Re: made: 2010-08-31 17:53:29.035226+00 by: m
Without enforcement everyone is subject to blackmail, extortion and selective prosecution.
#Comment Re: made: 2010-08-31 14:25:48.835226+00 by: petronius
Everything not forbidden is compulsory.
#Comment Re: made: 2010-08-31 00:33:28.059226+00 by: meuon
Not everything is tolerated by society at large once they understand there is no "them", only "us".