Perspectives on the Causes of Violence: The Socio-Legal Perspective (From Insights Into Violence in Contemporary Canadian Society, P 75-84, 1987, James M MacLatchie, ed. -- See NCJ-122437)

• NCJ Number: 122442
• Author(s): H Mohr
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: John Howard Soc of Canada
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Like the other sciences that determine our public and private views, legal concepts, institutions, and methods are part of the cycle of violence rather than a response to it.

Abstract

In using violence and force to control violence, the State reflects a theory of survival of the fittest and the powerful. The legal arena becomes the focus whereby various groups seek control over their opposition through laws that control behavior ultimately through force and oppression. Violence and oppression are thus perpetuated by the State so long as there are behaviors that do not comply with the wishes of the powerful as reflected in law. If we are serious about rejecting violence as a means of meeting our human destiny, we must search seriously for nonviolent strategies. This is not possible so long as we maintain a conception of being in the world which in itself is based on violence, where the legitimacy of violence is shifted from one group to another. Violence is reduced through means that foster nonviolent behavior, such as nonviolent role modeling and nonviolent relational influences. All other methods repeat the cycle of violence and have minimal influence in controlling illegitimate violence.