First, a law is there not just to punish people. It also shows our disapproval of things like anti-social habits or to reflect values of our society.
The anti-littering law is an example. If everyone is considerate and responsible we don’t need this law, but this is not so.
Most litterbugs are not caught but we can’t do away with the law. Otherwise, people will have no second thought about throwing a tissue on the street and young people will grow up thinking it is all right to litter.
It is the same with the jaywalking law or the seat-belt law. Many offenders are not caught but one day they might pay for it dearly as some already had. But these laws are there actually to protect people.
The law that criminalizes gay sex is another example. I believe the police generally ignore such activities. The law is there to reflect our emphasis on family values and that we do not want to encourage homosexual behaviour.
The internet
The reasons I mentioned above apply to the internet too although some people say the rules cannot be enforced so no point having them.
As we have seen, racist and anti-religion remarks are not tolerated. A few people have been punished for this.
Then there are people who tell untruths and some others who are abusive and rant rubbish, all under the cloak of anonymity.
We don’t have to be bothered by people who talk rubbish or use vulgar language because we can pick them out easily. They are like a mad woman cursing loudly on the street. These people are generally unhappy with their life, frustrated with their own problems.
As for untruths, some people say no need to worry, readers can separate the thrash from the facts. But not everyone is so logical or rational or have the knowledge. And many are school students or young people.
There needs to be rules and regulations too, even if difficult or not possible to enforce.
First, it shows we don’t condone certain things. Second, there is always a nagging fear in these people’s mind that their identities could be exposed.
