The good of a society depends upon the defense of individual rights.

The good of a society depends upon the defense of individual rights.

In any nation throughout the globe, society is functional unit that must be present to show the way for citizens. Society is like a big family where certain rules, morals are followed to keep it safe and healthy. Freedom is a virtue and right that citizens take for granted in a democracy but without rules and morals it will cripple quickly resulting in pandemonium. The United States is a unique democracy that lists the fundamental rights have in the first ten amendments in the US Constitution known as the Bill Rights. These rights can be granted to everyone, however with certain restrictions.

Firstly, consider when good of society does not depend on defending individual rights. The US court systems allows for people to benefit from "innocence" before being proven guilty. Accused people have the right to consult a lawyer and have a right to not incriminate themselves, however in some circumstances this is not possible. After the horrific events of 9-11, the US declared a war on terrorism specifically on the Muslim terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. In the various battlegrounds of Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan many terrorists associated with the 9-11 attacks were brought to the US for trial. Since these terrorists are foreign nationals that committed a crime on  US soil they are not given certain individual rights such as a plea bargain for innocence. By not granting these rights it limits the counter-argument given by these terrorists to become free. Therefore the good of society is preserved by not giving the right to innocence to these terrorists for future attacks of terrorism.

On the other hand, the good of society can depend on defense for individual rights. The first amendment is given paramount importance in the US because it is a big melting pot that blends all of the cultures from across the globe. In order to this, the majority of the US who are of European/Caucasian descent have adopted a zero tolerance policy on racism which is clearly outlined by the First Amendment. Two major issues of freedom of speech and religion are of paramount importance. For many immigrants that come from Asia and Muslim nations, Islam , Hinduism and Buddhism are the major religions practiced. In many airports, there are now prayer rooms for Muslims and Hindus in many airports throughout the world to accommodate for a zero tolerance approach to ending racism. So under the first amendment , freedom of religion allows these immigrants to do so peacefully with no objection. Suppose, these rights were not given to everyone it would create widespread pandemonium and turmoil across society which would damage society’s morale.

To sum it up, the good of society is a desired outcome, but does not always depend on the good of society. The Bill of Rights will remain embedded in US society and will always allow people to express and speak freely. On the other hand, good of society is also established to balancing who can have these rights and who can’t. For people who break the law and cause problems in society, then individual rights are taken away. Those who follow the law are granted to have individual rights.