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In any society, the responsibility of maintaining law and
order falls on the police force, para-military antiriot forces, and, as a
last resort, the armed forces. In democratic nations, these institutions are
under the control of freely elected civilian governments. However, the level
of control over individuals and the nature of the sanctions applied depend
on the traditions of the country and the severity of the law and order
problems faced.
Today's society is plagued with various problems that threaten law and
order. These problems include political protests that lead to strikes,
street demonstrations, physical violence, use of arms and weapons, mob
violence, vandalism, looting, and in extreme cases, civil war. Football
violence is also prevalent in some countries. Crimes against persons and
property, such as murder, rape, theft, burglary, and vandalism, are
widespread and exacerbated by international media publicity.
It is crucial to distinguish between personal and political motivations
behind lawlessness. Personal motivations can stem from natural violence,
social resentment due to deprivation, greed, sexual amorality, hatred, or
drug-induced mental states. In such cases, sanctions must be toughened as
required, including the use of the death penalty or physical punishments,
which deter such behavior. English law currently provides more severe
penalties for offenses against property than against the person, which
should be reversed due to the increase in street and public transport
violence today.
The modish, liberal explanation for the increase in crime is that society
rejects the poor and underprivileged. However, this argument is baseless, as
society comprises individuals with personal choices. To prevent crime,
religion and morality must be instilled into children at home, school, and
in the workplace. Additionally, some form of compulsory national service, of
a non-military nature, could benefit young adults of all races and both
sexes.
The more challenging question is how to handle offenses against law and
order when the motivation is political. Citizens owe a duty to support and
preserve the established order in return for the benefits they receive from
it. However, the line between a freedom fighter and a terrorist or a
legitimate lobby and a violent pressure group is blurred. In Ireland,
religion and politics are used as a cover for common criminality, while in
South Africa, the motivation behind violence is often tribal rivalry or the
instinct to loot, pillage, and murder.
Sanctions are justified to maintain law and order when offenses are
political and are determined by the quality of a country's government. In
democracies with a multi-party system, fair legal systems, and preserved
human rights, including free speech within the law, such sanctions are
justifiable. However, if these are denied, resistance and even revolution
may be necessary.
The spread of common criminality can be attributed to the abandonment of
religion and morality and the weakening of the family system. Discipline in
the home, school, and workplace, motivated by affection and the well-being
of young people, can help prevent youth delinquency.
In conclusion, maintaining law and order in today's society is crucial for
peaceful coexistence. Effective means to consider include distinguishing
between personal and political motivations behind lawlessness, instilling
religion and morality in children, imposing tough sanctions when required,
and promoting discipline in the home, school, and workplace. Political and
personal motivations behind offenses must also be clearly differentiated,
and a country's government quality should justify the use of sanctions to
maintain law and order. |
