Quote:
Originally Posted by jcwang
In our nation, each state has its own state CRIMINAL law, which can create not only confusion to the public but also injustice in comparison to other states. As a result, a similar crime can be resulted in different punishment. For example; a sex/murder case some state could give 10 years sentences while other state could give 25 years, life in prison or even death penalty. To me under one nation, we should have the same law and measurement for sentencing for all states. State do have the juridiciarly authority over its people but over all the federal is to guide each state how to be fair and consistency in terms of law.
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While there is something to be said for consistency, there is virtue in having a separation of power and limited jurisdictions. For instance:
1. It allows for social experimentation and the picking of best practices... if everyone was under one law, we would not have the opportunity to see if anything else works better. It gives us a greater pool of knowledge.
2. It allows us sanctuary from corruption, to a degree.... if we were all under one law, there would be no escape. It is only because there is a separation of power and limited jurisdiction that, for instance, slaves were able to run to the north to be free.
At the same time, however, the one law coming down from the top has helped to put an end to many of the bad practices of the states... so there is certainly a virtue to the uniformity that the federal government provides as well... Where's the proper balance? I don't know... But I don't think it lies with establishing a single republic.