The Short Constitution

by Martin J. Wade; William F. Russell

Necessity For Rules Of Human Conduct For Guidance And Restraint

This morning I wish to talk with you about one of the most important subjects in the world, the law; and strange to say, most people know very little about it.

Indeed I find that the average person feels that he does not need any knowledge of the law, that the law is for lawyers, judges, and courts.

Now the truth is, that there is scarcely any activity in life in which the law does not play an important part. This is true from childhood to old age, in every calling and every occupation in life.[20] The law is not intended for any one class of people, but it applies to all classes of people, the rich and the poor, the wise and the ignorant. It also applies to all ages, to men, women, and children.

What is the law, or what is a law?[21] There is nothing difficult about it. A law is merely a rule of human conduct, a rule of conduct for human beings which is enforced by the Nation, the State, or the city. There are other rules of human conduct enforced by the parents, teachers, or employers—those who have authority over others, those whose duty it is to direct the conduct of others.

Every boy knows that in his home his parents have certain rules, not written or printed, but stated by his father or mother with relation to his conduct about the home, about his school, or about his play time or vacation, when he must go to bed, when he must arise, and with whom he may associate, that he must not go in swimming unless accompanied by his father, that he shall not go to the movies without the consent [pg 045] of his mother, that he must attend Sunday school regularly, that he must not eat with his knife, that he must be courteous to all persons, especially the aged, that he must not play ball in the street, and a large number of other rules and directions, all intended for the good of the boy.

Then in school you find certain rules of conduct made by the Board of Education or other officers, or adopted by the teacher.

If a boy works in a store, he finds that his employer has certain rules: the time when the store shall be opened and closed; that the boy shall sweep the floor at certain hours; that he may go to lunch at a certain time; that he shall not permit other boys to pass behind the counters, etc. All of these are illustrations of rules of conduct for children, or those under the control, authority, or direction of some older person.

But older persons, the parents, the school officers, the teachers, the storekeepers, and those of all other occupations are likewise subject to rules, are under control and direction of the Nation, the State, and the city, all having power to enforce rules of conduct, called laws, which apply to the old and the young. Without such rules, such laws, it would be impossible to maintain peace and order. Without such rules, called laws, it would be impossible to protect the weak against the strong and the wicked.

This government being organized for the purpose of protecting the rights and liberties of the people, it is necessary that laws be enacted in order that our rights and liberties shall not be taken away from us by those who may be stronger or wiser than we are. Many laws prohibit wrongful acts and provide a punishment for those who commit such wrongful acts. Thus one who strikes you without justification, one who steals your bicycle, or any other property, one who breaks into your home, or into the store, a burglar, is punished. One who kills another human being, a murderer, is [pg 046] punished. A person who willfully sets fire to a building, or is guilty of cruelty to animals, malicious mischief, or sells liquor is punished.[22] So there are scores of different offenses forbidden by the law, and punishments fixed for those who will not obey.