'When there is conflict between rights and responsibilities, the individual liberty of the citizen should come first.'

Considering a range of views, to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

In your answer you should consider:
• the need for balance between rights and responsibilities
• the importance of individual liberty.

This question addresses a central tension in political philosophy: the relationship between the individual and the community. A high-level response will demonstrate an understanding that rights are not absolute and often exist in tension with each other and with our duties to society. Using concrete examples is key to illustrating this tension. For instance, the right to privacy vs. the need for state surveillance to prevent terrorism, or the right to protest vs. the need to maintain public order. The conclusion should not just state that a balance is needed, but should attempt to articulate the principles by which that balance should be struck (e.g., proportionality, necessity, preventing harm).