Former United States Attorney General Edwin Meese has…
““Former United States Attorney General Edwin Meese has noted that the average American has “little or no hope of knowing all of the thousands of criminal-law statutes—and tens of thousands of criminal-law regulations—by which they must abide in order to remain on the right side of the law. This is one of the primary reasons why it is no longer possible to avoid becoming a criminal by relying on one’s conscience and general understanding of the law.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The law is so vast and detailed that ordinary people cannot possibly know every statute, making reliance on conscience insufficient to stay lawful.
In simple terms: Law is too complex to know fully; conscience alone isn’t enough.
Key Takeaway
Seek professional guidance to stay compliant.
Themes
law
complexity
responsibility
Mood
concerned
serious
Type
advisory
critical
When to use this quote
- business compliance
- personal conduct
- policy making
- education
- risk management
Key Concepts
legal theory
statutory overload
Questions to Reflect On
- How can society simplify legal obligations?
- What role should legal education play?
A Different Perspective
Even with advice, individuals may still unintentionally break obscure rules.