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Crime is contagious…if the government becomes a…

“Crime is contagious…if the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for the law.” quote by Louis D. Brandeis
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“Crime is contagious…if the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for the law.”

Louis D. Brandeis

About This Quote

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

The statement argues that when governments break laws, it erodes public respect for legal authority, making lawlessness spread like an infection.

In simple terms: Government lawbreaking breeds contempt for law.

Key Takeaway

Demand accountability and uphold legal standards.

Themes

law government ethics trust society

Mood

concerned serious

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • political scandals
  • corruption cases
  • civil disobedience
  • policy reforms

Key Concepts

social contract rule of law public confidence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can citizens restore trust in law?
  • What mechanisms prevent governmental abuse?
A Different Perspective

Not all citizens react uniformly to governmental misconduct.

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