The Case for the Law

When we study sub-atomic physics, the first thing we do is that we form models. To verify that our models are correct, we then have to perform experiments. In 20th century physics, most of the experiments were performed inside the laboratories. Those experiments required special setup, but they were feasible to be performed inside a lab.

As we continued our journey in the study of physics, we came up with newer models. Not every model was testable inside a lab. For example, in order to test Einstein's matter-energy duality, you had to accelerate a particle at very high speeds. Only then, you would be able to see matter converting into energy. So we built particle accelerators and cyclotrons.

Now, the cutting-edge physics has a bag of even newer theories, but we can't test them. Why? Because there is no physical way to test them on earth. These experiments require such high energies that the only place you can perform them is on the sun.

The case for law making follows the same pattern. Law and policy making is one of the most challenging tasks. Policies have the power to catapult or obliterate a nation. Making a law or a policy is like coming up with a model that will ensure that the society stays inact. Law makers concern themselves with not only the present, but also the future.

Today, we face a multitude of social laws. I am talking about laws that address things like who and how to get married, abortion, divorces, sexual freedom, freedom of speech and media, etc. They all represent different situations in our lives. Some situations are easy, and laws regarding them come intuitively. While other situations are not intuitive. Laws regarding such issues would not show their true effect until after years. There is no way for us to test them except for observing the outcomes for years that span generations.