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“The Common Law of England has been laboriously built about a mythical figure-the figure of 'The Reasonable Man'.” quote by A. P. Herbert
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“The Common Law of England has been laboriously built about a mythical figure-the figure of 'The Reasonable Man'.”

A. P. Herbert

About This Quote

Source Legal Treatise: The Common Law of England, 1935

The law is built around the fictional "reasonable man," a mythical standard.

In simple terms: Legal standards are based on an imagined average person.

Key Takeaway

Question the "reasonable man" assumption.

Themes

law justice myth

Mood

critical analytical

Type

legal philosophical

When to use this quote

  • courtroom arguments
  • policy drafting
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

legal theory social construct

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does the "reasonable man" affect fairness?
  • What alternatives exist?
A Different Perspective

The concept can ignore diverse perspectives.

3.5 out of 5 (8 ratings)

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