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Consider that the only power a judge has is to say things, and write things. The legal system only works if enough people respect it and do things just because
by gpm 5y ago
Consider that the only power a judge has is to say things, and write things. The legal system only works if enough people respect it and do things just because the judge said to do the thing. Our society only works if the legal system keeps working.
Insisting that people respect the court is a large part of why this works. Even if maybe in some particular instance you could get away with not insisting on that, that's a dangerous experiment to run.
- quantumBerry 5y agoOur society would keep on working just fine if everyone disrespected judges who assist in the process of trying someone for the completely victimless crime of owning a syringe. I very much hope that part of the legal system collapses from lack of respect, if not by other means.
- gameshot911 5y agoI'd say the only important power is the ability to enforce their decisions. Respect makes things smoother, but is not necessary. And power alone will naturally command respect from most people.
- denton-scratch 5y agos/legal/social/ The legal system is just a buttress for social norms and conventions; and if the latter break down, there's not much hope for the former. Of course, there are many legal issues that genuinely need lawyers and courts - for example, where there is real disagreement as to the meaning of a legal text such as a contract. But on the whole, the role of courts and lawyers is to tidy-up around the edges; if society only worked because of courts and lawyers, then it wouldn't really be working at all.
- gpm 5y agoI'd describe the legal system as necessary, but not sufficient. The social system(s) the same.