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Single Idea 19827

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 3. Government / a. Government]

Full Idea

It is not good for the one who makes the laws to execute them.

Gist of Idea

Law makers and law implementers should be separate

Source

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], III.04)

A Reaction

He doesn't give his reasons here, but this piece of wisdom is widely supported. There is a problem when the executive find themselves trying to enforce bad, discredited laws. Maybe the police know best what the law should say? Or not!

Book Reference

Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.179