Debate Topic - Need points - Law restricts our freedom and happiness?

[IzzehO]

Hey guys.. Got a debate coming up next week and a cash prize.. So need to win this one. The debate topic is "Law restricts our freedom and happiness" we are arguing the affirmative.

Any points, quotes or rebuttles would be appreciated. I'll hand out best answer in about 12 hours.. so spend as much time on it as you want... Some starters:
- Topic says law in general.. not of one country.
- Not arguing they benefit us or not.. just they restrict freedom/happiness.

Ps. I live in Aus.. so please avoid US specific examples..
Yes they love there broad topics.. It really bugs me. The terming "our" is what I assume we as the affirmative will define.

 

[lolcatz]

Is this for real? How can a debate topic be so broad?

Laws do not always restrict freedoms; some laws guarantee certain freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom from arbitrary arrest or confiscation of property, etc.

Also, the word "our" makes this kinda difficult. For example, I may enjoy sodomizing small piglets, but "laws" forbid me from doing so, thus restricting my freedom (to sodomize pigs) and the happiness derived therefrom. However, I suspect that I am a small minority and that the vast majority of my fellow citizens derive happiness knowing that they can roam the streets safe in the knowledge that no pig butts are being befouled.

Many people derive happiness -- or at least a sense of moral righteousness -- from restricting the freedoms of others.

I return to my original point, this question is too broad.

 

[Andy]

Yes, I believe so. Not many are really that important.

Seatbelts for examples, it should be my choice if I want to wear it or not, I shouldnt have to worry about getting a ticket for it.
However, talking on a cellphone while driving is a plausible law because it's dangerous to others that cannot prevent an accident if it should occur. I dunno if its only the US but it might be other places.

Cigarette smoking in restaurants - not only the US. Takes away the rights of smokers, if a person doesnt want to go to a restaurant where there are smokers, its their choice to not go.

Drugs - If a person decides to use drugs, it is their own problem, there shouldnt be laws preventing them from using them, especially because people use them anyways.

US Example - the ways the government handles protests and the measures in order to assemble. Its a long process, however, in Italy, the people can protest whenever they want and they dont get arrested. that is definately a freedom taken away.

thats all i can think of right now, not really much, i know, but if i think of other stuff ill add it. good luck with the debate, should be interesting