Should Christ followers use the courts?

In a nutshell, it is important in a society with laws and rules for
everyone to observe and follow those rules so we can all get along. So
yes, this may be required. For a traffic accident, where an insurance
company is trying to avoid responsibility, I doubt this is a question.

Contracts exist to itemize responsibilities and allow people to have
mutual expectations. If expectations are un-met, then you have to get
that resolved, and perhaps a court is required as society's tool to
understand who is responsible. I'm all for sorting out expectations if
'things' happen. We have to have *some* way to resolve things.

A personal boundry understanding that somone is not allowed to hurt you
is key here. If we don't have boundaries, then it gets muddy fast. If
someone fails to own responsibility under the law of the land, don't you
almost have a responsibility to see that through? Again, it all falls
apart if we have no rule of law. If someone fails to own responsibility
under the law of the land, and you fail to define your own boundaries
properly, how are you not just a door mat for people to step on?

TO MY AMERICAN FRIENDS: Does this make me a republican? Feel free to
comment boldy. I can take it.

I *think* Tony Campolo may disagree with this. Would a 'red letter'
Christian be morally bound to turn the other cheek, at any cost, at all
times? I'd love someone to spell that out.

So a personal boundary rule that states it is OK to avoid being hurt by
people is a good thing. I think, according to the Mike scale, it's rule
#3. It adds to your life and liveliness, including others. So if we
have a boundary that states that we do not allow people to harm us, what
is OK to sue on and what isn't?

WHERE IT ALL GOES BAD:
Kids are famous for breaking the cookie in half, and giving you the
drastically smaller half. People want everything they can get. It's
called entitlement. If a kid feels entitled to a bigger piece, they get
mad when they are called on it and labled selfish.

If people feel entitled, their motivation in any action is to get
something. So if the motivation is to sort out things in context of
relationships and you are ready to accept what you are responsible for,
then you're probably good to go. If your motivation is to get
something, then perhaps a honest look at what it is you want is in order.

I don't know of anything that we can be entitled to that doesn't steal
life and livliness.