Is there any value in keeping the laws a secret?
A little while ago, I was told that in ancient China laws were kept a secret, though I’m not sure why they did it. The only benefit I can think of is that people will find it harder to look for technicalities and thus would avoid straying near the edge of what is legal and what is illegal.
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8 Answers
If we are assuming corrupt government, then the laws might be kept secret to prevent anyone from calling the governors out on their illegal behavior.
They can make it up as the they go along, to suit themselves…….
Argh! I’m past the edit period.
@Nullo @Scooby you are both quite right. I was actually wondering about anything positive from society’s point of view – those being governed, not those doing the governing.
@roundsquare Be more clear next time.
It was easier to prosecute people so they can incur fines and make money? That’s the only thing I can think of, plus your idea.
I can’t think of any positives from societies point of view, they’d be terrified to leave the house in case they broke any laws, there’d probably be a law against that though :-/ staying in the house that is…….
I suppose that secrecy could be used to build reverence via mystical mummery. As in, “this law is so [adjective] that we don’t look at it unless we must!”
Depends on the laws, the government, and the society,
I could imagine a situation where it could actually be beneficial… until the sociopaths start taking over the government. Maybe if there were secret laws against sociopathy and agencies to remove corrupt and sociopathic people from positions of authority, and to ensure the benevolence and competence of the government, it could work. Again though, the problem is the people wouldn’t know easily if the situation was broken or not.
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