Definition

In the Live and Let Live Movement, top-down refers to the implementation of the Legal Principle through engaging with political institutions.

Discussion

By introducing the Legal Principle into the many arms of politics which currently aggress, the Live and Let Live Movement enables the whittling away of the elements most egregious in aggressing. This is an important feature of the Live and Let Live Movement’s strategic pillar of Change.

Despite best efforts of people to introduce the Legal Principle into politics, the institution of politics will remain with incentives against freedom and peace. This is due to the consequences of public choice inherent in political institutions (public choice is the domain dedicated to understanding these incentives). Such incentives cannot be entirely overcome by integrating the Legal Principle into those institutions.

Still, individuals operating within political institutions who align with the Live and Let Live Movement can reduce the extent of aggressing to a greater degree than if individuals who do not adopt the Legal Principle remain with the most political influence.

Live and Let Live’s top-down approach is in contrast with, and is necessarily complemented by, the ground-up approach.

Implementation

Traditional political activities serve as a key mechanism for top-down change, including:

• election or appointment to public office
• lobbying and engaging in public consultation
• administrative law
• litigation.

The Legal Principle must not only be integrated into the substance of the law but also into the administration of the law.

Further Resources

• The Live and Let Live Movement: A Viable Path for Peace (White Paper), here