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The law perverted! The law — and, in its wake, all the…

“The law perverted! The law — and, in its wake, all the collective forces of the nation — the law, I say, not only diverted from its proper direction, but made to pursue one entirely contrary! The law become the tool of every kind of avarice, instead of being its check! The law guilty of that very…” quote by Frédéric Bastiat
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““The law perverted! The law — and, in its wake, all the collective forces of the nation — the law, I say, not only diverted from its proper direction, but made to pursue one entirely contrary! The law become the tool of every kind of avarice, instead of being its check! The law guilty of that very iniquity which it was its mission to punish! Truly, this is a serious fact, if it exists, and one to which I feel bound to call the attention of my fellow citizens.””

Frédéric Bastiat

About This Quote

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

When law is twisted for selfish ends, it ceases to protect and becomes a tool of exploitation.

In simple terms: Corrupt law harms society.

Key Takeaway

Defend law’s purpose.

Themes

justice corruption policy

Mood

concerned serious

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • legislation
  • government actions
  • corporate lobbying
  • judicial decisions

Key Concepts

legal theory public ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards protect law integrity?
  • How does corruption affect citizens?
A Different Perspective

Law can be manipulated by power.

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