The law is a gun, which if it misses a pigeon always kills…
“The law is a gun, which if it misses a pigeon always kills a crow; if it does not strike the guilty, it hits someone else. As every crime creates a law, so in turn every law creates a crime.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Law can cause unintended harm, and creating laws can generate new crimes, creating a vicious cycle.
In simple terms: Law may hurt innocents and spawn crime.
Key Takeaway
Be cautious when crafting legislation.
Themes
justice
unintended consequences
legislation
Mood
thought‑provoking
cautionary
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- criminal justice reform
- law drafting
Key Concepts
legal theory
ethical dilemmas
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent law from harming the innocent?
- Can law be designed to minimize new crimes?
A Different Perspective
Law alone cannot guarantee fairness; enforcement matters.