Beccaria Quote by Cesare Beccaria
““When a fixed code of laws, which must be observed to the letter, leaves no further care to the judge than to examine the acts of citizens and to decide whether or not they conform to the law as written; then the standard of the just or the unjust, which is to be the norm of conduct for the ignorant as well as for the philosophic citizen, is not a matter of controversy but of fact; then only are citizens not subject to the petty tyrannies of the many which are the more cruel as the distance between the oppressed and the oppressor is less, and which are far more fatal than those of a single man, for the despotism of many can only be corrected by the despotism of one; the cruelty of a single despot is proportioned, not to his might, but to the obstacles he encounters.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: On Crimes and Punishments, 1764
It argues that rigid legal codes leave judges with no discretion, leading to oppression by many, and that a single despot’s cruelty is limited by obstacles, unlike widespread tyranny.
In simple terms: Strict laws can cause collective oppression.
Key Takeaway
Balance law with judicial discretion.
Themes
law
justice
tyranny
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
legal
When to use this quote
- court rulings
- legislative drafting
- civil rights
Key Concepts
legal rigidity
judicial discretion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can laws stay fair yet firm?
- What role should judges play?
A Different Perspective
Strict codes may ensure uniformity.
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