If a law be bad it is one thing to oppose the practice of…
““If a law be bad it is one thing to oppose the practice of it, but it is quite a different thing to expose its errors, to reason on its defects, and to show cause why it should be repealed, or why another ought to be substituted in its place. I have always held it an opinion (making it also my practice) that it is better to obey a bad law, making use at the same time of every argument to show its errors and procure its repeal, than forcibly to violate it; because the precedent of breaking a bad law might weaken the force, and lead to a discretionary violation, of those which are good.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Obeying a bad law while working to change it is wiser than breaking it, because breaking erodes respect for law overall.
In simple terms: Follow the law but fight to improve it.
Key Takeaway
Use legal channels to reform bad laws.
Themes
law
ethics
reform
civildisobedience
Mood
thoughtful
determined
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- activism
- legislative advocacy
- public policy
- community organizing
Key Concepts
political philosophy
rule of law
strategic compliance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you effectively challenge unjust laws without breaking them?
- What risks arise when people ignore bad laws?
A Different Perspective
Breaking laws can set dangerous precedents and weaken overall legal authority.