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In the eye of the law no doubt, man and wife are for many…

“In the eye of the law no doubt, man and wife are for many purposes one: but that is a strong figurative expression, and cannot be so dealt with as that all the consequences must follow which would result from its being literally true.” quote by William Henry Maule
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“In the eye of the law no doubt, man and wife are for many purposes one: but that is a strong figurative expression, and cannot be so dealt with as that all the consequences must follow which would result from its being literally true.”

William Henry Maule

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Legal metaphors about marriage are figurative, not literal; they shouldn’t dictate all consequences.

In simple terms: Marriage analogies are symbolic, not literal law.

Key Takeaway

Interpret legal language figuratively.

Themes

law marriage figurative language

Mood

analytical critical

Type

legal philosophical

When to use this quote

  • courtroom
  • family law
  • policy drafting

Key Concepts

legal interpretation social contracts

Questions to Reflect On

  • When might a figurative legal term cause confusion?
  • How to balance metaphor with legal clarity?
A Different Perspective

Literal readings can mislead.

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