Why do we have laws and courts?

As we observe Law Month, a national observance to mark our commitment to the rule of law, it seems an appropriate time to imagine living in a society without laws. Rather than living by rules designed to make life as fair as it can be for all of us, we would hand over control of our society to the biggest and strongest person or group. Without laws, fear would rule. Without courts, there would be no consequences when people act against the best interests of the common good.

Laws and the Courts serve the greater good of people in our community, state and nation. Every law, even the earliest, reflects customs for living together that were agreed upon by the people, whether people of a tribal group or people of dense modern cities.

As a Judge, I know both the requirements and the importance of assuring the law is applied to everyone equally and fairly. This is how the law ultimately protects us all.

Laws guard the rights of each and every one of us. They protect our dignity as well as our security.

Do we need laws and courts? My belief is without laws and courts, our society simply could not function. We would be dominated by anarchy, destruction and chaos.




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