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The essence and value of the law lies in its stability and…

“The essence and value of the law lies in its stability and durability (...), in its “relative eternity.” Only then does the legislator’s self-limitation and the independence of the law-bound judge find an anchor. The experiences of the French Revolution showed how an unleashed pouvoir législatif…” quote by Carl Schmitt
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““The essence and value of the law lies in its stability and durability (...), in its “relative eternity.” Only then does the legislator’s self-limitation and the independence of the law-bound judge find an anchor. The experiences of the French Revolution showed how an unleashed pouvoir législatif could generate a legislative orgy.””

Carl Schmitt

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Law must be stable and enduring to anchor legislative restraint and judicial independence; unchecked legislative power leads to chaos.

In simple terms: Stable law limits legislators and protects judges.

Key Takeaway

Preserve legal continuity.

Themes

law stability judicial independence legislative restraint

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • Constitution drafting
  • judicial training
  • policy analysis
  • government reform
  • legal education

Key Concepts

Political theory rule of law constitutional limits

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can law stay stable yet adapt to new challenges?
  • What safeguards prevent legislative overreach?
A Different Perspective

Stability may hinder necessary reforms in rapidly changing societies.

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