The law is not an end in itself, nor does it provide ends…
“The law is not an end in itself, nor does it provide ends. It is preeminently a means to serve what we think is right.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Law should be a tool for justice, not a goal in itself; it exists to implement our moral judgments.
In simple terms: Law is a means to achieve right outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Use law to serve ethical ends.
Themes
justice
ethics
law
public policy
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- court rulings
- policy advocacy
- civil rights litigation
Key Concepts
Legal philosophy
instrumentalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure laws reflect evolving moral standards?
- What safeguards prevent law from becoming an end itself?
A Different Perspective
Law alone cannot guarantee moral outcomes without societal consensus.