“Even though
no law may exist, public opinion against a non-conforming individual
may be so strong as to deprive him or her of the usual benefits of
the society. In the first case, the doctrine of rights can to a
considerable extent prevent the formation of laws which infringe upon
areas an individual may regard as sacred and therefore inviolable
(such as free speech, etc), but the great danger to them comes from
public opinion. And public opinion is notoriously susceptible to
error; it may reflect ancient prejudices, be dominated by
superstition and tradition. Consequently, Mill argues, public opinion
ought not to be a law which individuals must conform to, even an
unwritten law.”
A John Stuart
Mill conclusion.
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