Quote: the power of the soveraign arises from everyone's right to preserve life by all means; subjects gave up these rights to form the commonwealth

Quotation

But I have also shewed formerly, that before the Institution of Common-wealth, every man had a right to every thing, and to do whatsoever he thought necessary to his own preservation; subduing, hurting, or killing any man in order thereunto. [162] And this is the foundation of the right of Punishing, which is exercised in every Common-wealth. For the Subjects did not give the Soveraign that right; but onely in laying down theirs, strengthned him to use his own, as he should think fit, for the preservation of them all: so that it was not given, but left to him, and to him onely; one (excepting the limits set him by naturall Law) as entire, as in the condition of meer Nature, and of warre of every one against his neighbour.   Google-1   Google-2

Published before 1923

Related Topics

Topic: government (35 items)