OUTLINE B

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              HANDOUT TWELVE: Recognizing Good Laws

We cannot always do as we please. Laws often require us to give up some of our
freedom so that we can live together more successfully. We are willing to do this
because we believe that the advantages gained by following laws outweigh the
disadvantages. For example, speed limits prevent us from driving as fast as we might
like to drive. But, they are necessary to prevent people from being injured, especially in
towns and cities.

Read the two laws that follow. Answer the questions and decide whether the advantages
gained by the law outweigh the disadvantages. Are these good laws?


LAW I:         In one major city in Ohio, all automobiles parked on the city’s streets must
               pass a safety-lane inspection for harmful exhaust gases. The inspection
               costs $3.75 per car. Stickers are put on the windshield of cars that pass
               this test. Owners of parked cars without these stickers must pay a fine.

               Questions:
                 1. What good things could happen as a result of this law?
                 2. What bad things could happen as a result of this law?
                 3. Is this law fair to all (or most) people?
                 4. Would you favor a similar law for your community? Tell why you
                     would or would not.


LAW II:        During a severe winter, heating fuels become scarce. Many states took
               steps to conserve available fuels. One state passed a law to prevent people
               from wasting fuel. The law permitted inspectors to come into private
               homes without warning and check to see if thermostats are set below 65ºF.

               Questions:
                 1. What good things could happen as a result of this law?
                 2. What bad things could happen as a result of this law?
                 3. Is this law fair to all (or most) people?
                 4. Would you favor a similar law for your community? Tell why you
                     would or would not.

This handout was copied from Learning About Law, an Ohio State Bar Association
publication developed by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education.