Skip to content

For as the law is set over the magistrate, even so are the…

“For as the law is set over the magistrate, even so are the magistrates set over the people. And therefore, it may be truly said, "that the magistrate is a speaking law, and the law is a silent magistrate.” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
Download Open image
“For as the law is set over the magistrate, even so are the magistrates set over the people. And therefore, it may be truly said, "that the magistrate is a speaking law, and the law is a silent magistrate.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero

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 and magistrates are interdependent; magistrates embody the law, while the law is a silent authority guiding them.

In simple terms: Law and officials rely on each other for authority.

Key Takeaway

Respect the balance between law and its enforcers.

Themes

law authority governance

Mood

analytical serious

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • courtrooms
  • government
  • public policy
  • civil society

Key Concepts

political theory jurisprudence social contract

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards ensure magistrates uphold the law?
  • How does silent authority affect accountability?
A Different Perspective

Power can become corrupt if either side oversteps its role.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Marcus Tullius Cicero

Explore all 1,068 Marcus Tullius Cicero quotes

More Law quotes

Browse all 16,973 Law quotes