John Locke believed that in the state of nature life was without laws or government and it was a survival of the fittest. He argued that all persons have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. Locke's social contract theory holds that individuals give up some rights and freedoms to join society and enjoy safety by following laws. The document then discusses four principles of law: the harm principle which protects people from harm by others through laws like those against murder; the donation principle which provides public services through taxes; the personal morality principle which can be based on religion and cover things like hate speech; and the statist principle intended to protect government through laws against treason but which can threaten civil liberties.

1. John Locke’s ideas
State of Nature- life without laws, rules, or government. Survival of the
fittest
Natural rights-All persons are guaranteed life, liberty, and property
Social Contract Theory- in order to be a part of society and enjoys safety
each person must give up some rights and freedoms this includes following
laws.

3. The Harm Principle
• THESE LAWS PROTECT PEOPLE FROM BEING HARMED BY OTHERS.
• Examples include
• Violent crimes such as murder and rape
• Property crimes such as vandalism and robbery

4. • These laws act as the parent and prevent self-harm
• Examples
• Compulsory attendance ( education)
• Child neglect laws
• Illegal drugs

6. • Law that promote personal morality they can be grounded in religious
beliefs.
Example
-Hate speech laws in Europe
-Prostitution and other sex industry

7. Donation Principle
• This law donates or grants goods or services of some kind to its
citizens.
• These goods or services are not free as they come from taxes that
citizens are mandated to pay.
• Examples
• Social Security
• Free education
• Tax breaks for purchasing energy efficient products

10. The Statist Principle
• Laws that are intended to protect government from harm, these can
be the most dangerous to civil liberties.
• These may be essential for stability and national security.
Examples
-Laws against treason and espionage
-Patriot Act- giving government the opportunity to spy without a
search warrant on suspected terrorist
-Japanese Internment camps