Order Out of Chaos

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 208, 30 May 1936, Page 20

Order Out of Chaos

"In every civilised nation the whole collective force of the Government can in the ultimate resort be invoked in support of the law. In one hand Justice holds the scales; in her other band she holds a sword. Behind the judge's seat stands the policeman; behind the policemen are arrayed the armed forces of the land.

A judgment that cannot be enforced is a. mere pious sentiment, and law without the power of compelling obedience is no law at ail. 'Law.' wrote Huxley, 'is the expression of opinion of Hie majority; and it is law, .and not mere opinion, because the many arc strong enough Io enforce it.' J need not remind you at this moment of the difficulties which in this respect have arisen in the attempt to bring the nations of the world under the reign of law.

"We have bad too poignant, a demonstration of the impotence of law which lacks the power of enforcement. If war is to he eliminated from the society of nations as it has been eliminated from the society of individuals. Ilion it is essential not only that there shall be a code of international con duct, but also that there shall be the means of enforcing it.

“This is the great problem of the future civilisation and the ultimate aspiration of law—to bring about among the nations the collective security which within Hie confines of eacli nation has been achieved among indivi duals.

"Once Hie administration of justice is tampered with, once it becomes swayed by fear or favour, the whole

fabric of society is threatened.—-Lord Justice Macmillan.