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Kant, Immanuel

"The Science Of Right"


As regards the last of these- the feeling or negative taste for public
propriety- it is important that it be not deadened by such
influences as begging, disorderly noises, offensive smells, public
prostitution (Venus vulgivaga), or other offences against the moral
sense, as it greatly facilitates the government in the task of
regulating the life of the people by law.
For the preservation of the state there further belongs to it a
right of inspection (jus inspectionis), which entitles the public
authority to see that no secret society, political or religious,
exists among the people that can exert a prejudicial influence upon
the public weal. Accordingly, when it is required by the police, no
such secret society may refuse to lay open its constitution. But the
visitation and search of private houses by the police can only be
justified in a case of necessity; and in every particular instance, it
must be authorized by a higher authority.
C. Relief of the Poor. Foundling Hospitals. The Church.
The sovereign, as undertaker of the duty of the people, has the
right to tax them for purposes essentially connected with their own
preservation. Such are, in particular, the relief of the poor,
foundling asylums, and ecclesiastical establishments, otherwise
designated charitable or pious foundations.


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