Law and Manners: The Unenforceable Nexus

This chapter examines Lord Moulton's pivotal speech 'Law and Manners', highlighting the interplay between legal obligations, moral choices, and societal norms in shaping human behavior. It explores the concept of 'obedience to the unenforceable' and the evolution of moral sentiments, drawing insights from philosophers like Rousseau, Adam Smith, and Plato. The discussion emphasizes the vital role of unwritten social conventions in fostering individual responsibility and effective societal functioning beyond the confines of formal law.