What principle suggests that society should only regulate actions that harm others?

The principle that suggests society should only regulate actions that harm others is known as the Harm Principle. This concept was articulated by philosopher John Stuart Mill in his work "On Liberty." According to this principle, individual freedom should only be limited to prevent harm to others. In essence, it emphasizes that individuals should be free to act as they wish unless their actions cause direct harm to others.

The Harm Principle is foundational to discussions of personal liberty and autonomy within the framework of criminal justice and law. It supports the idea that individual choices should be respected and that state intervention should be minimal, only stepping in when someone's actions could negatively affect the well-being of others. This principle is pivotal in the debate about laws and regulations, particularly those concerning personal behavior that does not directly infringe on the rights or safety of others.

In contrast, the other principles mentioned focus on different aspects of law and governance. Legal Positivism emphasizes the importance of established laws without regard for morality. Natural Law posits that certain rights and morals are inherent and can be understood through human reason. Legal Realism stresses the importance of considering the social and economic context in which laws are applied. Each of these approaches offers valuable perspectives, but they do not specifically center around the idea of limiting regulation