What would a large society like ours be like without laws or a system of criminal justice? would you want to live in such a society?
2007-09-09 12:36:39 · 9 answers · asked by sami_sam 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The chaos would require many, many body-bags. Without fear of retaliation the current gangs would dominate a large part of our cities. Folks in the countryside might fare some better for awhile. Without a legal system anyone could declare themselves a ruler and collect taxes at whatever rate they felt (more extortion). Family justice would return to the rural areas and once again the lynch mobs would ride. Old westerns on TV are a pleasant visit back, but not the truth.
As a civilization we have come a very long way. Though we seem to be burdened with a heavy load of laws and restrictions, it is working. Without the structure of society we lose the comforts like power, water and someone else growing our food. Return to medieval times, not a chance.
2007-09-17 09:03:29 · answer #1 · answered by R M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To answer such a question you need to read Hobbes and Rousseau. In Hobbes's Leviathan, he discusses that being in the state of nature - with no laws- is so much worse than being in a contract with a superior authority. He argues that humans naturally give up their rights to a central authority, a monarchy, for security. In the state of nature anything goes, humans will do anything to survive, even kill other human beings. This is a terrible place to be according to Hobbes. Giving up your rights to a King is the only way to be civilized and safe from fellow human beings. Rousseau on the other hand thinks giving up any type of right to a King, etc, is a terrible idea. People in the state of nature should make contracts with each other and not with an authority figure. His ideas were the basis for the French Revolution in 1789, while John Locke was the basis for revolution in the United States. Anyways, read Hobbes and Rousseau and you will find your answer. If you dont have time to read these then look up these key words on the internet - try wikipedia-: Hobbes Rousseau State of Nature Leviathan
2016-05-20 22:05:06 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to know what "civilization" would be like without laws, go to anyplace where gangs are in control. Then imagine what it would be like if they REALLY didn't have to worry about the police. You know how bank robbers always seem to want to have a getaway car? They won't need that anymore. And how when someone sticks up a small store, they run out when they get their money? They won't do that anymore, either. And those videocameras all over the place? Won't need those, who do you think will watch the tapes?
2007-09-09 12:46:23 · answer #3 · answered by open4one 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it already seems to be falling apart. At least 12 million foreigners have totally disregarded our laws by entering illegally. There are literally millions of people in prison right now since they have no respect for our laws and just look at the way people drive and the lack of enforcement. Why do we even bother having laws? You can look at a lot of third world countries for a clue. But for strong, smart ruthless people, it can be a lot of fun (until someone stronger, smarter and more ruthless comes along).
2007-09-09 12:43:54 · answer #4 · answered by Yo it's Me 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Without laws, we would no longer be a society. Although we could do without 90% of whats on the books right now.
2007-09-09 18:02:46 · answer #5 · answered by sbyldy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without laws this country would be like the Wild, Wild West once again. Everyone would do their own thing and usually get away with it. It would be the 'law of the land' type of enforcement with guns and hangings, rape and assault on anyone by anyone. I personally would head for the hills with a shot gun and pistol. A good mule would help too and a couple of chickens.
2007-09-17 08:12:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i didnt think so at first but have you notice that the more laws they pile on the worse people do like i seen a report that women use to mureder 28 to 1 per men they said it has turned to 4to1 i think its higher than that but still they are not getting rid of crimnals they are gaining them prison is big money baby so lets try to have less laws maybe easier living
2007-09-15 16:46:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Such a situation is referred to as anarchy.
2007-09-15 16:30:05 · answer #8 · answered by Don C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We're all killing to each other. Would be very fun for bad people to do such things..
2007-09-09 13:07:58 · answer #9 · answered by o_o 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋