Any rule, not existing in the nature of things, or that is…
“Any rule, not existing in the nature of things, or that is not permanent, universal and inflexible in its application, is no law, according to any correct definition of the term law.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A rule lacking natural basis, permanence, universality, or rigidity is not truly a law.
In simple terms: Rules must be natural, permanent, universal, and inflexible to be laws.
Key Takeaway
Ensure rules reflect enduring, universal principles.
Themes
law
philosophy
justice
definition
principles
Mood
critical
analytical
inquisitive
Type
theoretical
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- constitutional design
- policy making
- academic teaching
- judicial interpretation
Key Concepts
natural law
legal theory
definition
universality
permanence
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria should define a true law?
- How do cultural norms become legal rules?
A Different Perspective
Human societies often accept conventions as law despite lacking permanence.