Single Idea 19868

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 2. The Law / c. Natural law]

Full Idea

If by the law of Nature every man hath not a power to punish offences against [the state], as he soberly judges the case to require, I see not how the magistrates of any community can punish an alien of another country.

Gist of Idea

It is only by a law of Nature that we can justify punishing foreigners

Source

John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 009)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.121


A Reaction

This is a nice point. You can't expect to be above the law in a foreign country, but you have entered into no social contract, unless visiting a place is a sort of contract. Intrusions into air space are often accidental visits.