Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Mark Tully asks what makes a government, a religion or a friendship legitimate. Why do we give power to others to legislate for us, take and spend our money, or tell us what to do?

Mark Tully asks what makes a government, a religion or even a friendship legitimate. Why to we give power to others to legislate for us, or take and spend our money, or tell us what is right or wrong?

With the help of a reading from Rumpole of the Bailey, Mark considers what makes a legal system legitimate, with judges who do not yield to the temptation to enrich themselves or bend under pressure to please the government, courts who deliver justice swiftly, and laws which are rightful. He also suggests the qualities required of individual politicians in strengthening the legitimacy of a government - honesty and integrity, willingness to serve others rather than pursue their own ambitions, and courage to do what they believe in rather than what is popular.

Music by Billy Bragg written during the miners’ strike in the UK in the 1980s, as well as a remarkable historical account of popular resistance to heavy-handed military force in 19th century London, illustrate the point made by the author of The Right to Rule, Bruce Gilley, that, β€œRightful rule is rule that is consistent with the moral expectations of a political community.”

Or, as Rousseau would have it, β€œThe strongest is never strong enough to be the master unless he translates strength into right and obedience into duty."

A Unique production for ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

28 minutes

Last on

Sun 29 Dec 2019 06:05
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

Deterrence

Next

Joy

See all episodes from Something Understood

Music Played

  • AngΓ©lique Kidjo

    Akwaba

    • FIFA.
    • Decca.

  • Syl Johnson

    Is it Because I'm Black

    • Virgin.

  • Krsna

    Jhooth Boliya

  • Billy Bragg

    Between the Wars

    • Cooking Vinyl.

  • Fela Kuti

    Zombie

    • Music Is The Weapon Of The Future.
    • Barclay.

  • Jean Sibelius

    Finlandia

    Performer: Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Estonian Male Choir.
    • Sibelius Cantatas: Paavo Jarvi.
    • Virgin Classics.

Readings

Title: The United Fruit Company

Author: Pablo Neruda

Published by University of California Press

Μύ

Title: Rumpole and the Age for Retirement

Author: John Mortimer

Published by Penguin

Μύ

Title: A Door in Epynt

Author: Menna Elfyn

Published by Bloodaxe

Μύ

Title: London in the 19th Century

Author: Jerry White

Published by Vintage

Μύ

Title: Up With Authority

Author: Victor Lee Austin

Published by Bloomsbury

Broadcasts

  • Sun 29 May 2016 06:05
    ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Sun 29 Dec 2019 06:05
    ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4