Bad laws Quote by Abraham Lincoln
““Let me not be understood as saying that there are no bad laws, nor that grievances may not arise for the redress of which no legal provisions have been made. I mean to say no such thing. But I do mean to say that although bad laws, if they exist, should be repealed as soon as possible, still, while they continue in force, for the sake of example they should be religiously observed.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Illinois State Bar Association, 1860
Bad laws should be repealed, but while they remain, they must be obeyed to set an example.
In simple terms: Obey unjust laws until they are changed.
Key Takeaway
Follow the law, work to change it.
Themes
law
morality
obedience
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- civil disobedience
- public policy
- judicial review
Key Concepts
legal theory
ethical pragmatism
Questions to Reflect On
- When is civil disobedience justified?
- How can we balance respect for law with moral duty?
A Different Perspective
Blind obedience can perpetuate injustice.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
