This sets clear limits on the scope of law and government activity by restricting law between the twin confines of obligation and limitation.
The purpose of law is to prevent injury, and the identification of an injury either actual or potential obligates government to initiate the legislative process. The formulation of legislation which will prevent that injury either totally or as nearly as practicably possible will conclude the process. That defines government obligation.
The limitation upon law is that without a clearly identifiable "injured party" - an injury caused to one person or party by another - there can be no cause for law.
Thus government-initiated intrusive or oppressive laws cannot pass. In the words of John Stuart Mill, "The only purpose for which power can rightfully be exercised over any member of a civilized community against his will is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant."
The adoption of such clearly defined boundaries affects the process of legislation and government, as well as the very status and function of legislators.
Both obligated, and limited in their actions, Legislators lose their arbitrary powers, becoming subject to clear disciplines and thus answerable for their every action. Legislators become the servants of justice, not the manipulators of it.
Debts, Deficits, Productivity and Accountability
