What must laws be in order for them to be effective and respected?

For laws to be effective and respected, they must be known and certain. This means that individuals within a society need to be aware of the laws and understand them clearly. When laws are publicized and accessible, people can comply with them, which fosters a sense of order and stability within the community. Certainty in laws also implies that there are defined consequences for breaking them, which adds to their authority and respect.

When laws are known, they reduce ambiguity, allowing people to navigate their rights and responsibilities without confusion or uncertainty. This clarity promotes obedience and adherence, as citizens can anticipate the legal consequences of their actions. Thus, the effectiveness of laws hinges on their visibility and the clear expectations they set for behavior within society.

In contrast, arbitrary laws lack a foundational basis and can lead to confusion and resentment, as they may be enforced inconsistently. Specific laws do contribute to clarity but are not sufficient alone if they are not known by the populace. Flexible laws could lead to unpredictability, allowing for interpretations that might undermine legal certainty. Therefore, it is the combination of being known and certain that forms the bedrock for effective law-making and respect within a legal framework.