Should the law be written to fit in with whatever the majority think it should be, or should the great unwashed be forced kicking and screaming into obeying whatever our lords and masters decree?

In a democracy like ours the 'great unwashed' (as you call them) vote to decide what laws are made in general election. So they are effectively making the laws.

Originally posted by Cyclone
Should the law be written to fit in with whatever the majority think it should be

As a person in a minority group I would say no.

I think to a large extent the laws should reflect what the majority of the public find acceptable.

There could be difficulties though regarding things like the death penalty, as public opinion seems to swing one way whenever there is a particularly shocking murder or child abduction reported in the media. We'd be forever changing the law one way and then back again.

You could have a system of direct (as opposed to representative) democracy where every issue is put to a referendum. I think the Swiss have this type of system.

Whether this would prove workable in Britain is a debatable point.

We currently have a problem where all laws are not enforced to the same extent at all times and places.

This often allows certain 'illegal' practices to become commonplace and major discontent arises when attempts are made at renewed enforcement after a time.

Originally posted by slimsid2000
In a democracy like ours the 'great unwashed' (as you call them) vote to decide what laws are made in general election. So they are effectively making the laws. no ,you vote for a party that promises certain laws, they never ask you what laws you would like to introduce or repeal, it makes not one iota of difference what joe public wants,its always what will benefit the fat cats and politicians

Originally posted by depoix
no ,you vote for a party that promises certain laws, they never ask you what laws you would like to introduce or repeal, it makes not one iota of difference what joe public wants,its always what will benefit the fat cats and politicians

I am slightly cynical but even I woudln't go that far.

Originally posted by depoix
no ,you vote for a party that promises certain laws, they never ask you what laws you would like to introduce or repeal, it makes not one iota of difference what joe public wants,its always what will benefit the fat cats and politicians

Agreed, and once they have promised certain laws they refuse to introduce the laws once they have won power. For example, Tony Blair promised to bring in a ban on foxhunting, a ban which the majority of the public supported. However, when he got into power he tried (unsuccessfully) to get his MPs to vote for the exact opposite... a law to give hunters a license to carry on hunting.

No wonder so few people bother to vote in elections.

Originally posted by slimsid2000
In a democracy like ours the 'great unwashed' (as you call them) vote to decide what laws are made in general election. So they are effectively making the laws.

Democracy ends at the Ballot Box...............after that, those gin swilling, overpaid, middle class do-gooders that call themselves MP's just do what the hell they like..........usually screwing us into the ground.............:rant:

What do we do about laws that the general public are split more or less 50/50 on?

Do you have a vote every year on every law?

I'm not sure in a country on 60 million people that its practical for things to be run in that way.

Originally posted by Yodameister
What do we do about laws that the general public are split more or less 50/50 on?

Do you have a vote every year on every law?

I'm not sure in a country on 60 million people that its practical for things to be run in that way. but out of the 60 million how many are of voting age? and how many are legaly entitled to vote? i think the voting public should be given the choice on making the law,after all we have to uphold it,pay for it and practise it and in some cases be tried by it

Originally posted by depoix
but out of the 60 million how many are of voting age? and how many are legaly entitled to vote? i think the voting public should be given the choice on making the law,after all we have to uphold it,pay for it and practise it and in some cases be tried by it

Okay call it 40 million but the same point applies I think.

Originally posted by nick2
I am slightly cynical but even I woudln't go that far.

Frankly I think that depoix stated his concerns in contained, measured, balanced terms which I would be so bold as to say may well be a complete understatement of the correct position. I hope it therefore goes without saying that I also entirely agree with cgksheff's concern regarding the inconsistent implementation of legislation regardless of the issue and whether or not civil or criminal matters are involved.

I stated elsewhere that I believe the systems are corrupt and that remains my view based on first-hand observations of the way Public Sector administrators misapply process in delivery. Whether or not this is the intention of our judiciary and parliamentary processes, all of the decisions taken are seemingly interpreted in a way which is inconsistent with the stated objectives. :loopy:

Originally posted by slimsid2000
In a democracy like ours the 'great unwashed' (as you call them) vote to decide what laws are made in general election. So they are effectively making the laws.

Unfortunately this is nowhere near the truth! Take as an example the war in Iraq (not a law but a government action) - massive public outcry and opposition but dear mr B went on his own merry way. The government appears to be increasingly unresponsive, monolithic and autocratic and quite obviously regards the population as a 'great unwashed' who need to be shepherded in the right direction rather than intelligent people. Of course I could just be being cynical?

Originally posted by depoix
no ,you vote for a party that promises certain laws, they never ask you what laws you would like to introduce or repeal, it makes not one iota of difference what joe public wants,its always what will benefit the fat cats and politicians

As Ken Livingstone said in the title of his book - "If Voting Changed Anything, They'd Abolish It"

StarSparkle

Originally posted by StarSparkle
As Ken Livingstone said in the title of his book - "If Voting Changed Anything, They'd Abolish It"

StarSparkle

That's great! Wish I'd thought of that. It quite neatly sums up my thoughts on the matter.