State Coercion and Citizens’ Rights

Abstract

The paper aims to explore which situations the state can exercise political power over its citizens. The art is to find the fine line between citizens’ rights and state coercion. The best way to present an answer to this issue is by examining the principles when state coercion might be justified. Hence, wewill examine eight following principles: Harm Principle, Offense Principle, Legal Moralism, Legal Paternalism, Collective Benefits Principle, Justice Principle, Need Principle, Sufficiency Principle. In addition to defending liberal principles, wewill argue that Legal Paternalism and The Justice Principle can be adopted but only in specific situations. Finally, we suggest that The Need Principle and The Justice Principle cannot be used as justification to limit one’s freedom but they might be translated and expanded into The Sufficiency Principle.