The law

The law

Introduction

In the book, the code is the work written by Bastiat in 1850. Bastiat is a French is a great political and philosopher who as paid significant contribution to the field of law and human rights. The philosopher did investigation on what happens in a society when the bill becomes a tool used by the individuals in power to regulate and enslave their subjects. Bastiat bases his arguments on injustice in the nation, and he considers the wrong as legal plunder. Bastiat explains the purpose of the law in the community as rules and regulations that are set to protect people and property from fraudsters. Also, the philosopher has defined the people who are involved in legal plunder and the reasons that force them to engage in the legal plunder. Socialism and philanthropy are among the primary reasons that lead to the legalized plunder.

The purpose of the law

The author is trying to answer the question “what is the purpose of the law” in any setup. The bill should be implemented to prevent some actions which can harm people and their belongings. The law should not force individuals to behave or act in a particular manner that is in favor of the political class but unfavourable to the population. The author argues that when the law keeps one within the limits of justice, it protects his property, liberty and personality. Bastiat, concludes that the law is the organization of the natural right of lawful defense. He adds that it is a substitution of a collective force for individual forces. Individual authorities have a legitimate reason to protect properties, liberties, persons and conserve the power and freedom of each and cause justice to reign among all people.

Legalized plunder

The author considers the injustice that is evident in society as a legalized plunder since it is done legally through taxation. Further, he defines it as a danger that is caused when people in power use the constitution as a weapon of force. The author describes this as diverting the law from its proper purpose to the opposite. The law becomes guilty of the evils it needs to check and punish. Through taxation, the portion of wealth can be transferred from the owner to another person without necessarily working for it. This is done by force or by fraud then plunder is committed. When the law itself commits these acts that are supposed to suppress, then the author considers plunder is committed.

Reasons for Spread of Legalized Plunder

According to the author, the victims of legalized plunder get their way to power not to avert the situation but to take property from others through the law. The writer remarks that when the plunder is organized by law to benefit those who make the law, then the plundered individuals will forge their way peacefully or other means into making laws. Bastiat believes that those in power use the code to legalize plunder because of greed. Men will sort to plunder whenever plunder is easy than working for wealth. Also, false philanthropy whereby some use legalized plunder since they believe by taking other people’s property and wealth they will be able to assist those in need. Besides that, the author believes that philanthropy will be achieved without legalized plunder, and this does not make him be against generosity. Socialism, on the other hand, has been a point of argument whereby he suggests that the government is supposed to provide for its people from the human perception which views free individuals as lacking the compassionate and the capability to aid those in need. Whenever the government does something is objected, the socialists conclude that it’s being objected being done at all.

Conclusion

Bastiat explores the various provisions of the law and its requirements to protect the people and their respective property in society. He has explained what happens to the community when the law is used to do the exact opposite of what is meant for. Also, reasons such as legalized plunder through taxation has been elaborated herein. Also, greed, false philanthropy and socialism are other reasons identified that have led to continued legal looting in the society