The Spirit Of The Law
When The Spirit Of The Law Is Lost, So Are We
by Eric Elkin
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. ”
New York City in 1987 was nothing like the city you encounter today. Today the city are cleaner and crime is down. If you watched children playing in a city park, it would look no different than children playing in some small town. The mean city streets of the '80s are gone.
Mayor Rudy Giuliani is often credited with this transformation. He helped turn one of the most crime-ridden cities into one of the safest. Giuliani did this by adopting a law enforcement strategy called "Broken Windows." This policy cracked down on small crimes to prevent larger ones.
The "Broken Windows" approach was so effective, it became a standard police practice. Soon law enforcement in other major cities were adopting the method. They, too, reported the same positive results found in New York City. Legislatures and journalists hailed it as the model for law enforcement in larger cities.
The positive press covered up some of "Broken Windows" shortcomings. The focus on small crime was susceptible to abuse. Relatively law-abiding citizens, especially youth, found themselves with a police record for a minor one-time infraction. This impact was felt hardest by both young black and poor white males.
“...Civil societies work when the citizenry perceives their governing institutions to be legitimate, and that is based on three principles: fairness — that everyone is treated the same; transparency — that you know exactly what the consequences of certain actions are; and responsiveness — when you feel that you can stand up and complain and that you will be heard.”
Researchers started to question the results of the policy. They did not feel the police were considering other elements contributing to a drop in crime, such as low unemployment. Several analysts also felt, by arresting people for small crimes, they were turning non-criminals into criminals. It seemed like the spirit of the law was lost.
Some police precincts started to explore less confrontational methods. They started turning to community engagement, working with schools and churches. These types of initiatives are less sexy. They make for boring cop shows on television. We hunger and thirst for action. Yet, sometimes the most effective tool for preventing crime is to build a relationship.
I reference the transformation of New York City all the time. It always comes to my mind whenever I read about fulfilling the law in scripture. So many people of faith want the Bible to be like a crime and punishment novel. But, the law is about life and love. When the spirit of the law is lost, so are we.
In the Bible, as in our culture, laws are intended to give life. They are designed to prevent people from hurting themselves and others. Paul gives a more direct answer on how to fulfill the law of Christ, "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law." (Romans 13:10) It’s a harder job to love than arrest, but the results are more enduring.
Click to read: Matthew 5: 13-20
Reflection Questions:
What do you consider the most effective way to control crime?
How do you live out this approach in your daily life?
What is the connection between how we treat friends and how we treat strangers?
Where do you find life in the law?
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