In his essay, Seth Mayer discusses the relationship between the law and citizens of a democracy. He believes that this forms part of a solution to the climate change problem. Mayer affirms:
Even when rules are somewhat economically inefficient, they can manifest public attitudes and commitments about which actions and interactions are acceptable. Law, particularly democratically legitimate law, can represent the perspective of the public at large-deeming some actions morally acceptable and others out of bounds. It is an attempt to coordinate social action to further public purposes.
Begin your essay by describing the relationship between law and public attitudes, as Mayer understands it. Then, give a non-environmental example that further helps to illustrate Mayer's point. Finally, consider: what are the liabilities of using the law to accomplish Mayer's environmental goals? Are they significant enough to show that the law shouldn't be used for those ends? Why or why not?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Explain Mayer's understanding that the law has the potential to represent and coordinate public attitudes
Offer an example, real or imagined, from outside of the climate change debate that illustrates this kind of relationship between the law and citizens
Thoughtfully consider the costs of Mayer's approach
Defend a position on whether those costs are too great

In His Essay, Seth Mayer Discusses the Relationship Between the Law