Sacrifice and the Singular

Abstract

One kind of sacrifice the law undergoes is that of the singular. As discussed by Levinas, Derrida, Agamben and Johann van der Walt, ethics and law must apply norms and rules that are general to the absolutely unique individual, his particular acts and their circumstances. These are subsumed under a rule which at the same time limits their unique characteristics, i.e., sacrifices their particularity. To some extent the law acknowledges this problem and attempts to recuperate the singular through the concept and application of equity. This is, however, never completely successful; there is always a remainder of the singular that is sacrificed. Sacrifice is a very part of the law.