Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no. 5.

The correct answer is 'Sanction'.

Key Points

•  The passage tells that discourtesy is not punishable by law and that a person can fight back in self-defence.
• Let us refer to this line from the passage, "But no legal system could attempt to legislate against bad manners or could ___(5)___ the use of violence against something which it does not itself recognise as a legally punishable offence".
• From the above sentence, we get to know that a legal system cannot make laws against bad manners or impose a penalty against an action which it does not recognise as a legally punishable offence.
• In option 2, 'sanction' means to attach a sanction or penalty to the violation of (a right, obligation, or command).
• So, 'sanction' is the correct word for blank no. 5.

So, the correct sentence is - But no legal system could attempt to legislate against bad manners or could sanction the use of violence against something which it does not itself recognise as a legally punishable offence.

Additional Information

• Let us look into the meanings of other words:
  • Decry: publicly denounce
  • Restrict: to confine within bounds
  • Pardon: to forgive

 Confusion Points  

• The verb 'sanction' has two nearly opposite meanings:
  • to make valid or binding usually by a formal procedure.
    • Example: The authorities sanctioned the construction of the new shopping complex.
  • to impose a sanction or penalty upon.
    • Example: If he fails to submit the legal documents in time, he will be sanctioned.