Q&A: Selective Enforcement
Selective Enforcement
Question
Let’s say a law was passed forbidding the placing of election signs on stores along the street.
Now let’s say the police are all left-wing, and in practice they end up turning a blind eye to left-wing signs.
All the ministers and police commissioners keep shouting that the law has to be enforced equally.
But in practice it doesn’t work, because the officers on the ground drag their feet, say “I didn’t see it,” and tell stories, so that it’s hard to start investigating and checking every single case.
So in the end the law itself is a completely just law (let’s say that ninety-nine percent of the public supports such a general law), but the enforcement doesn’t reflect it.
The question is: what should be done?
Should the entire law be repealed, because in practice it comes out unequal?
Or should the law be left as it is, and at least we’ve gained half a law that will at least help against right-wing signs?
Answer
This is a pointless question. If the Knesset wants to repeal the law, it can also make sure it is enforced. If you want to repeal the law, you won’t be able to. The question is why, and how important it is, that there not be signs. Without that, it’s impossible to discuss this at all. In traffic accidents, is it important to obey traffic laws? After all, many people don’t obey them. There is still a danger to human life, so it is obvious that the law must be observed, and obvious that it should not be repealed.