________________
38
their lives as they desire as long as they do not trespass on the rights of others. Active involvement in the enforcement of law is a civil duty. The only sound principle on which a bright future may be realized is the co-operation of all citizens in the firm application of law.
The only guardian of people's liberty is a Court which is independent, honest and intelligent. For the resolution of the present crisis of the world it is necessary to extend the rule of law into international affairs and to create a body of international law as an effective instrument for peace. Then, all international disputes can be settled through the legal methods of mediation, arbitration or judicial decision rather than by recourse to war.
NONVIOLENCE
The purpose of law is to reconcile conflicting enterests and it should neither be the sheer command of a dictator nor an instrument of oppression. In a welfare state laws should be and are a means for suppressing disorder and promoting peace, secularity, order and progress. The purpose of law is not only to balance interests between individuals but also between Society, and the individual. The law cannot impose virtue or morality, yet it must reflect the positivmorality of society and it must grow so as to live up to the aspiration of society and the age. In current legal thinking, all over the globe, law is being brought into a closer relationship with other social services in its practical manifestation or application. In order to justify its existence law should be flexible and socially alive. In practice, it is like science, always seeking
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
