Harm to Others Principle

The principle that the only possible restriction on an individual's freedom of action (i.e., interference) is to resist the individual's attempts to harm others.

" That principle is, that the sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self-protection. That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others." (J.S. Mill, On Liberty, 1860)

The principle is that the only purpose for which mankind, individually or collectively, can justifiably interfere with the freedom of action of any one is self-preservation. That is, the only purpose for which power can be justly exercised over a member of a civilized society against his will is the prevention of harm to others.

"The principle is this. "The principle is this: the only time man is justified in interfering with anyone's freedom of action, whether individually or collectively, is when it is for the purpose of self-defense. The only justifiable use of force against an individual in a civilized society is for the purpose of preventing harm from coming to others.

---