Claim: Many problems of modern society cannot be solved by laws and the legal system. Reason: Laws cannot change what is in people’s hearts or minds.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim and the reason on which that claim is based.
The speaker asserts that many social problems cannot be solved by laws and the legal system. This claim is debatable, but the underlying reason given is sound. Laws cannot alter the hearts and minds of individuals; therefore, polices and laws can only address external problems
The first part of this claim is true, as laws cannot alter what is in an individual’s heart and mind. A person’s conduct and beliefs are shaped at an early age by his or her family, friends, and community. If a child does not learn respect in the home, he or she will carry that attitude into adulthood. If parents provide daily structure and limit a child’s access to unhealthy food or television, the child will grow up to be more active and healthy than a child whose parents take no interest in his or her upbringing. Similarly, if a child is given love by his or her parents, he or she will learn to value that relationship, which will serve the child well in his or her adult relationships. Since a person’s heart and intentions are formed early in life, laws cannot change or alter those characteristics
The second part of this claim is true as well. Laws cannot alter what is in a person’s heart or mind. However, laws and legal processes do play a role in addressing problems. For instance, when laws ban certain types of guns, criminals who acquire those guns cannot use them to kill innocent people. Likewise, laws outlawing discriminatory practices help to ensure that people are treated equally. Laws prohibit discrimination against people because of age, gender, race, or religion, and when those laws are enforced, people are protected from discrimination. Laws also protect people from violent individuals. As long as a person follows the law, he or she cannot be arrested or killed. Laws can prevent people from dying from gun violence or from being killed by another individual
In conclusion, laws cannot change what is in people’s hearts and minds, but laws can deter criminals, protect people from violent acts, and prevent people from being discriminated against.