Just Quote by Algernon Sidney
“That which is not just, is not Law; and that which is not Law, ought not to be obeyed.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: "Discourses Concerning Government", 1698
Unjust laws lack moral authority and should not be obeyed.
In simple terms: Unjust laws aren’t binding.
Key Takeaway
Question authority of unjust rules.
Themes
justice
law
morality
civil disobedience
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- legal reform
- personal ethics
Key Concepts
social contract
ethical authority
Questions to Reflect On
- When is civil disobedience justified?
- How to identify unjust laws?
A Different Perspective
Legal consequences may follow disobedience.
![“[A]ll popular and well-mixed governments [republics] . . . are ever established by wise and good men, and can never be upheld otherwise than by virtue: The worst men always conspiring against them, they must fall, if the best have not power to preserve them. . . . [and] unless they be preserved in…” quote by Algernon Sidney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1c1/algernon-sidney-20606_conspiring_a-ll-popular-and-well-mixed-governments_696129.jpg)
![“[L]iberty cannot be preserved, if the manners of the people are corrupted . . .” quote by Algernon Sidney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/65d/algernon-sidney-20606_freedom_l-iberty-cannot-be-preserved-if-the-mann_1577380.jpg)
