Governments should regulate trade

Governments should regulate trade
Subjects
Government	Regulations
Linking arguments
Consumer pressure is an effective way to regulate the harmful practices of private institutions Capitalism leads inevitably to state intervention Despite some prostitutes being unwillingly and exploitatively pushed into their profession due to non-coercive factors, governments should still legally tolerate prostitution Governments should perform certain functions Governments should protect people from market failures Governments should prohibit prostitution The harm linked to prostitution is caused by its prohibition It is possible for economies to be free of market distortions The inability of societies to eliminate behavior is reason to stop trying to do so The legalization of prostitution reduces the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases Prostitution is safer for the participants when it is legal Societies should implement capitalism Societies should implement anarchism

Supporting arguments

Governments should regulate trade in order to make workplaces safer and less abusive.  Related argument: Abusive working conditions can only be ended through state regulation.

Governments should regulate trade in order to prevent people or corporations from profiting through immoral actions that can not be easily detected, such as pollution.  Related argument: Societies should use private property rights to control pollution.

In the absence of state regulations, businesses that act unethically have greater profit, which means that all businesses have to behave unethically in order to compete. This results in negative outcomes to society.  Related argument: There are specific examples of state regulations that are effective at producing positive outcomes. Related argument: State regulations have been effective at producing positive outcomes for society.

Deregulated industries are often corrupt and harmful, resulting in very poor outcomes.  Related argument: Deregulation causes harm.

Opposing arguments

State regulations raise the barrier to entry for the targeted industries, making it more difficult for new competitors to enter the field. This reduces economic competitiveness, resulting in inferior outcomes for society.  Related argument: Abusive monopolies are caused by state regulations.

State regulation inhibits business growth, thereby stifling economic progress. This is harmful both for businesses and for society at large. 

The most effective way to regulate trade is through voluntary agreements among merchants and consumers.  Related argument: Free market regulation of trade is effective and beneficial.