When law and morality are in contradiction to each other…
““When law and morality are in contradiction to each other, the citizen finds himself in the cruel alternative of either losing his moral sense, or of losing his respect for the law—two evils of equal magnitude, between which it would be difficult to choose. It””
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 conflicts with personal morals, citizens must choose between losing ethical integrity or losing trust in legal authority.
In simple terms: Choosing between moral loss and legal distrust.
Key Takeaway
Weigh personal conscience against institutional authority.
Themes
ethics
law
conflict
conscience
authority
Mood
conflicted
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political decisionmaking
- civil disobedience
- legal reform
- personal integrity
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prioritize conscience over law?
- What are the societal costs of losing trust in law?
A Different Perspective
Choosing may erode social cohesion and trust.