What matters more, the needs of society or the rights or indivduals?
In an orderly dictatorship, the needs of society are met with what the western world has deemed cruel and unusual punishment. They have lower crime rates, but people (apparently) live in fear.
In democratic nations, we tend to value the rights of the individual more. I always hear about appaling things in the news, but the criminal can get off because their rights were violated.
Where do we draw the line?
I believe the rights of individuals are important, but the needs of society are equally important. If we could find a way to balance those two, I think the world could be a much better place.
But what are your views?
By: Allegience with defeat
About the Author:
Filed under Law & Ethics by on Dec 22nd, 2009. 
Comments on What matters more, the needs of society or the rights or indivduals?
Marketing Strategies
That’s what our lives are all about–struggling in a balancing act between the two!
Marketing Strategies
Since our country is basically based on laws and rights, the people whose job it is to enforce those laws need to follow the rules as they were trained to do. I think if the needs of society are not met, people will turn to crime to survive. No form of government is perfect because human beings are imperfect. I think if you look at the big picture, we have a delicate balance to maintain. The results should be in following the law because we are a Republic. Our law takes individualism into consideration.
Marketing Strategies
I believe America has that balance right now. Every society has news that is appalling. Crime, poverty, injustices are found in every society to varying degrees. When people are truly free they can reach their full potential. If we as a society want to meet the needs of the less fortunate, we need to elevate our standards. Morals are just as important as economics.
Marketing Strategies
I believe individual rights and the rights of society are dependent on each other. We need to ensure a peaceful society, but not at the expense of individuals’ rights. It is true some criminals do evade punishment for their crimes because of mishandled cases. I actually believe this is beneficial; it ensures the police follow the laws themselves. Imagine if the police could use any tactics necessary without regards to our civil rights, we’d be in Guantanamo. I mean let’s not be naive, there are police officers who would beat someone senseless if it meant making their case. It would be madness if people thought they were being violated. riots would erupt everywhere, thus disturbing our society’s well-being.