by A. M. Gilbert

Created on: July 17, 2010

In the American status quo, some people convicted of serious crimes (e.g. felons) permanently lose the right to vote. This is a controversial idea that can be applied in any democratic society. But in this type of society, felons willfully disregard social contract in interest of personal gain, thus negate their own rights in society. Moreover, restoring rights to such criminals destroys the government's credibility in maintaining personal responsibility.

This argument takes its basis in justice, operating primarily on the Platonic definition of giving one one's due. This means appropriately punishing and rewarding individuals for their actions. This applies to the ultimate question of this topic by showing that upholding laws is just; therefore, violating laws through the committal of a felony is unjust. Ergo, one threatens justice by performing felonies and deserves adequate reduction of rights in society. As the right to vote is the distinguishing ability of citizens in a democracy, it understandably is removed.

To further bolster the foundation of this position, one must look to preserving social contract, as John Locke's philosophy is central to the foundation of democracy. As social contract dictates a mutual relationship between the governed and those who govern, flagrantly disregarding reasonable laws set forth for the benefit of society clearly equates to violating the social contract. By ignoring a fundamental principle of democracy, the felon's action is obviously unjust, while preserving societal order through maintaining social contract keeps citizens following laws, achieving justice.

For clarification, the following definitions are provided:
From the Oxford English Dictionary:
Society: A political alliance, league, or compact.
Felony: the general name for a class of crimes which may loosely be said to be regarded by the law as of a graver character than those called misdemeanors (or, in short, a serious crime)
Responsible: Morally accountable for one's actions; capable of rational conduct, Capable of fulfilling an obligation or trust; reliable, trustworthy; of good credit and repute.
From Princeton University:
social contract: an implicit agreement among people that results in the organization of society; individual surrenders liberty in return for protection

Enfranchisement in a democratic society should be retained by responsible citizens. As responsible inherently encompasses fulfilling obligations, such as social contract, the vote should

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