Law as a Social Contract
Essay Preview: Law as a Social Contract
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In two articles, the first article “Person of the Dialogue—- Socrates. Crito” written by Plato,the second article “Drug Policy as Social Control” written by Chomsky. These two articles express two different sides of the law and the laws influences, as well as we called it “social contract”. Greek famous philosopher Socrates believe one must obey the law unconditional, like people obey their parents even if it results in punishment and death. On the other hand, Chomsky considers law such as “Drug Policy” only aimed directly at grass-root class and minorities. The upper class can control the laws enforcement if they think the law will damage their benefits. Law is only used as a tool to control average people. In my opinion, law is a tool to protect most peoples freedom and human rights. Everyone should obey the law consciously. Meanwhile, we should supervise the laws are enforced equitably.
In Socratess view, one must obey the law unconditional. I strongly agree his point of view. If everyone doesnt take the law seriously, the social social contract system will destroy. He said to Crito: “pay no respect to us, the laws, of whom you are the destroyer; and are doning what only a miserable slave would do, running away and turning your back upon the the compacts and agreements which you made as a citizen.” Socrates would rather use his life to defend social contract system. Another example: after 9.11 WTC air-plane crash, the U.S.government intensified the anti-terrorist law. According the law, the intelligence department owns larger rights to monitors every suspects communication like: e-mail, text messages, phone conversation etc, which is in order to stop the terrorists actions. One of the intensified measures is enhance background research, this measure caused my immigrants application to postpone for 6 years. However, I understand the authoritys purpose is to protect internal citizens safety. If anyone comes to American without background research, then it means every citizens safety will be threated, the social safety will be destroyed. Another 9.11 or Bostons explosion will happen at somewhere in American territory. Hence, even the anti-terrorist law damages my immigrants benefit, but it will protect my familys safety in the future.
On the other hand, Chomsky considers laws such as “Drug Policy” only aimed directly at grass-root class and minorities. Law is only used as a tool to control average people. I consider his opinion is too extreme. Law likes a social contract, it gives us daily behavior guideline; it also prohibit us to do anything damage ourself or other people. The only issue that we need to concern is: we should supervise the laws are enforced equitably. In my eyes, law is like a gun; law is a weapon; but itself can not kill a person.A good person can