ABSTRACT

In Freedom's Law, Dworkin turns down the concept of “majority rule” and endorses the concept of “equal citizenship” as the fundamental defining aim of democracy. He points out that democracy should be based on a set of principles that guarantee fairness, justice and equal treatment for all citizens. He opposes the notion that majority rule solely should ascertain the final results of political decisions, as it is very likely to lead to crushing or curtailment of the rights of the minority; hence, disregarding the indispensable principle of justice. In other words, the persistent tyranny of the majority over the minority. The objective of this study is to analyse Dworkin's concept of liberal democracy. The problem that warrants this study is to ascertain the real implication of the concept: “government by the people.” This study's significant is the fact that it will be a guiding principle to politician, legislators and all involved in the democratic process. It adopts the analytic method of research. Finally, this study submits that “democracy” can be correctly used in a variety of senses; some of which are morally more appealing than others. By taking an unshakable stand on a single true concept of democracy, Dworkin claims to have attained an unambiguously dominant perceptivity into the “true nature” of the concept: “government by the people.” This should not be the case.