Political Science

Long before we were born, the world was divided into nations led by governments that functioned through public policy. The application of public policy can be seen as how the government creates and implements laws based on morality with the ultimate goal of promoting justice and righteousness.

Contrary to the usual perception that the reason why laws are followed because of the fear of punishments (retributive justice), laws should be followed with a greater respect to morality than to justice. Morality addresses the question, What actions are right and what actions are wrong, no matter what people think. Rather than the example statement Many believe that is immoral, morality is more on That is immoral. Morality touches on the basis and purpose of the laws implemented. Laws are created because they promote morality. On the other hand, justice focuses on the commanding consequences of the laws. If we follow the law, we will get rewards. On the other hand, if we disobey them, we will be punished.

Contrary to John Austins Command Theory wherein he states that law is commanding because it is backed up by threats and punishments (Rumble, 1985), laws should be treated like social practices (habits we do because we want to) and social rules (policies we comply with because we believe that disobeying them is wrong or immoral) (Hart, 1994).

Hart states that following rules while viewing them as coercive orders defeats the purpose, content and origin of the law which is morality. In the end, it should be clear that laws are promulgated not only to be obeyed for the justification of matters, they are also and more importantly created to be accepted and be adhered upon by the people.