I may be a computer science major, but law and historical traditions are interests of mine. I can see myself studying law and political science in another timeline, but I already made my choice in this one. But you’re not here to read about my choices– even if this note is the result of one. This page serves as the anchor for all of my explanations and yapping when it comes to legal knowledge– not political. This is the present, I leave this for my future self to write.
I am bound to these laws by the virtue of my birth and residence, so I must understand them lest they become my noose. What good is literacy if a man can’t comprehend this reality? Legality and morality are two separate dimensions, both determined by our humanity. The law may be written once, but it has myriad interpretations.
It doesn’t matter if these understandings are just or not, as Justice wears their blindfold out of convenience– that little stripe of cloth has seen everything by now. They’re bound to the same laws as us yet remain stuck in stone. To walk blindly is to imitate this path, a path that you can’t finish– for you are of flesh and blood, not stone.
When people think about our legal system, they cleanly divide it into two sides– black and white, bad and good. They’re not wrong, but they’re not right. When you add nuance, these two sides expand and clash– making a sea of grey between these poles. My answer belongs to neither pole, so how can you decide where I stand? The reason why we have a legal system, is to fish in these troubled waters– to pull a person into a side, to clearly define them.
It’s easy to follow your own judgement, only to get strung up as each of your actions create evidence against yourself– so don’t assume goodwill. It’s good to have faith in humanity, but some of us are only human in name– their conduct perjuring them. So rely on your understanding and accept the gaps in your knowledge.
Turn your guesses into estimates and become your own person. Now keep this in your mind and don’t forget it, lest time reminds you harshly.
The core of politics is the pursuit of influence over society, and law is their instrument to shape, to corral, to transform society. The law is their product and it is up to you to determine if it serves your best interests, that it protects and nourishes you– that your end is not written in them.
After all, you are member of this society– are you not? It is your duty to examine these laws and changes, as you are bound to uphold those statutes. While you haven’t signed it, you’re still bound to the social contract that established these institutions– this nation.
I recognize that some of you are indifferent when it comes to politics and legal matters. I am apathetic to your callous nature. I have condemned apathy thrice now: Trifecta, People, and an essay that remains sealed. I’ll condemn it fourfold, but not now. I leave you a reminder to the consequences this apathy once wrought.
First They Came (1946)
“First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me”
- Pastor Martin Niemöller
Of course, if you disagree with a single word here– I invite you to challenge me. I for one enjoy it, so by all means– aim for the head with that perspective of yours.