Robert M. MacIver Quote

"The legal code can never be identified with the code of morals.
It is no more the function of government to impose a moral code
than to impose a religious code. And for the same reason."

by:	Robert M. MacIver
Source:	The Web of Government, 1947
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Categories:	Government, Justice, Law, Morals, Religion, Virtue
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Exactly, both are out of de jure government's prevue.  -- Mike, Norwalk
you said a mouth full on this one....trinity dushon  -- trinity dushon, S.F.,,Ca.
-- Logan, Memphis, TN
I note that a "Legal Code" and a "Code of Justice" are two very different things. The Government's ONLY job is to preserve justice...it can not create it.  -- J Carlton, Calgary
Separate morals from the legal code and you have nothing but a vehicle for imposing the unrestrained will of tyrants. Note he infers that morals are an imposition.  -- warren, olathe
Morality requires you to respect life, liberty, and property. Government provides the consequences when people do not abide by those morals that can affect your neighbors. There are obviously other requirements of morality that do not impose themselves on others if you fail to follow them. Those are not governments business. It is a matter of conscience between you and your God.  -- Ken, Allyn, WA
Compulsory morality is merely forcing one's own values upon another. If kindness, charity, and aid is not voluntary then it is but a form of tyranny. There is a HUGE difference between following one's own good conscience and being compelled to obey the 'authorities.' The essense of sovereignty.  -- E Archer, NYC
E Archer hit the nail on the head. Witness the culture wars, where the extreme evangelicals tried to impose their morality. Such impositions inevitably end up backfiring and creating ill will in the society.  -- Alan Steele, Vina del Mar, Chile

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