Full Idea
The relationship of members to each other should be as small as possible, and as large as possible to the entire body. ...Only the force of the state brings about the liberty of its members. From this relationship civil laws arise.
Gist of Idea
The state ensures liberty, so civil law separates citizens, and binds them to the state
Source
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], II.12)
Book Reference
Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.172
A Reaction
I'm guessing that these laws could be said mainly to prescribe both our rights and our duties. His four types of law are political, civil, criminal, and customary.
Related Idea
Idea 19818 Political laws are fundamental, as they firmly organise the state - but they could still be changed [Rousseau]