The laws keep up their credit, not by being just, but…
“The laws keep up their credit, not by being just, but because they are laws; 'tis the mystic foundation of their authority; they have no other, and it well answers their purpose. They are often made by fools; still oftener by men who, out of hatred to equality, fail in equity; but always by men, vain and irresolute authors.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Laws derive authority from their status as laws, not from inherent justice, often reflecting the biases of their creators.
In simple terms: Authority stems from legal status, not fairness.
Key Takeaway
Laws are powerful because they are laws, not because they are just.
Themes
authority
justice
bias
legitimacy
power
Mood
critical
reflective
skeptical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- drafting legislation
- judicial review
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
legal authority
social hierarchy
inequality
Practical Applications
- legal education
- civic critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the perception of law's legitimacy affect compliance?
- Can unjust laws be reformed without undermining authority?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that law can embody justice when grounded in moral principles, not merely its formal status.