The first requisite of civilization, therefore, is that of…
“The first requisite of civilization, therefore, is that of justice — that is, the assurance that a law once made will not be broken in favour of an individual. This implies nothing as to the ethical value of such a law.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Justice is the guarantee that laws are applied equally, not favoring individuals, regardless of the law's moral worth.
In simple terms: Laws must be applied fairly to all.
Key Takeaway
Ensure consistent law enforcement.
Themes
justice
law
equality
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government policy
- court rulings
- corporate compliance
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
social contract
rule of law
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect against selective law enforcement?
- What mechanisms ensure laws remain impartial?
A Different Perspective
Legal systems can be biased despite formal rules.