(This is an archived page, from the Patterns of Power Edition 3 book. Current versions are at book contents).
Legislation is a powerful way of defining the behavioural requirements which the society will coercively enforce (5.1.4). In one sense of the word, a law is ‘fair’ if it applies equally to everybody: everybody surrenders some individual freedom in exchange for some form of protection. Legislation, though, might not be the best way of introducing change – as described in the following sub-sections:
There is a trade-off between restriction and protection under the law (5.4.1.1).
To avoid oppression, it is essential that the public has an influence on legislators (5.4.1.2).
It may be better to adapt existing legislation (5.4.1.3).