Commentary
The extent of the government’s responsibilities and controls in the lives of citizens is debatable. From social engineering to business subsidies to funding public art, many people question whether or not the state needs to be involved in those matters.
One realm where there is almost universal support for government action is the protection of the public from violent criminals.
Only the most fringe of anarchists can try to make the case that the government shouldn’t manage a criminal justice system with a mandate of preserving public safety. While people should have the right to self-defense, it is expected that they rarely will have to exercise that right in a civilized society as the justice system will incarcerate dangerous individuals….