Arguments in Support of Parental Licensing Hugh Lafollette's article, “Licensing Parents,” discusses the need for government licensing of parents. His argument states that any activity that is harmful to others, requires expertise and has a reliable procedure for determining expertise, should require a license from the government. This topic relates to parenting because it can be harmful to children, requires expertise to raise them, and we can assume that it is possible to formulate a reliable procedure. Therefore, parenting should require a license from the government. I agree with Lafollette and will focus on supporting him by addressing the more practical objections: there is no reliable procedure for identifying competent parents, and it is impossible to reasonably enforce parenting regulations. I will address these objections and their reasoning, followed by the responses Lafollette and I would most likely have, thus refuting the objections. The first objection to Lafollette's argument is that “… there may not be, or we may not be able to discover, adequate criteria of 'a good parent'” (Lafollette 1980, 190). This is a strong and valid objection because who can universally define what constitutes a good parent? Many cultures prefer to raise their children in different ways that others may find unacceptable. For example, some cultures believe that spanking your children is an effective form of punishment, while others condemn it as child abuse. Therefore, it seems impossible to distinguish between a “good parent and a less than good parent” (Lafollette 1980, 190). Furthermore, if we found a criterion, it would be too generalized (to include different cultures) and therefore it would not be halfway through the paper... to be enough to apply such a program. This objection has been supported by multiple scenarios that have shown that most punishments are implausible. In response to this objection I discussed Lafollette's idea of ​​removing children and giving them up for adoption. This plan provided for orphanages or third-party adoptions indefinitely or until their biological parents were licensed. I have also formulated a law enforcement plan that provides heavy fines and prison time for unauthorized children. While this plan is harsh, it is fair and enforceable, thus refuting the objection that there is no way to mandate parental certification. This article discussed objections and responses to Lafollette's argument which concluded by reaffirming that parental licensing is a possibility. Works Cited Lafollette, Hugh. "Parents license". Philosophy and Public Affairs 9, n.2 (1980): 182-197.