The Legitimacy Effect
The concept of the legitimacy effect, or legal effect, rests on the importance of the perception of law and its protection of rights, interests, and basic societal values. Therefore, for many countries, the force of law and the legitimacy of the enforcement of law on its population are seen as vital for the well-being and stability of the society.
To understand the legitimacy effect and its implications, it is important to consider the various facets of the concept and the ways in which the legitimacy effect can be observed in any given society. The legitimacy effect can be observed directly in the responses or actions of people when their rights, interests, or basic values are threatened or altered either directly or indirectly by legal intervention or law enforcement.
The legitimacy effect is particularly evident when the laws and institutions that provide the protection of rights, interests, and basic societal values are perceived by the population as oppressive, disconnected, and socially unjust. In these circumstances, the legitimacy effect is likely to be particularly strong, as the public is not merely apathetic but often actively opposes the application of the law or its enforcement. The question then becomes, who are people most likely to respond to and even oppose oppressive, disconnected, and socially unjust laws and institutions and their associated systems of law enforcement?
Interestingly, empirical evidence suggests that there is a direct correlation between the extent of inequality within a society and the strength of the legitimacy effect. Specifically, as the level of economic, political, social, and legal inequality within a society increases, the effects of the legitimacy effect become more apparent. Thus, when the level of inequality within a society is high, more people are likely to resist or oppose laws and their enforcement.
At the same time, when the level of inequality within a society is decreased, the legitimacy effect is likely to be attenuated. Research has shown that when a society becomes more equitable and laws and their enforcement are viewed as fair and unbiased, then individuals are more likely to accept or support laws and the legal system, and even act in compliance with them.
It is important to note that the legitimacy effect generally implies a dislike or resistance to laws and their enforcement, but it can also have positive effects when people recognize and accept their governments laws and regulations as legitimate, just, and beneficial to the general welfare and security of the state. In such instances, people may be more willing to follow the laws and regulations, not for the sake of legality, but because they recognize and view them as beneficial.
Of course, the legitimacy effect is not just a matter of the action and reactions of individuals, but also of the broader society. In short, the legitimacy effect suggests that laws, regulations, and legal systems that are perceived as legitimate, just, and beneficial to the general welfare of the state are less likely to be challenged or resisted by the population, while those that are seen to be oppressive, disconnected, and socially unjust are more likely to be opposed or resisted.
In sum, the legitimacy effect is an important concept that can help us understand how peoples reactions and attitudes towards law, its enforcement, and underlying values can be affected by perceived injustice and inequality. It is also evident that the legitimacy of laws and legal systems is not only determined by individuals, but that the broad social context plays an important role in determining the extent to which people perceive the laws and regulations as legitimate, just, and beneficial to the general welfare of the state.
