Skip to content

Force Quote by Edward Coke

“Force ought to follow justice and not to precede.” quote by Edward Coke
Download Open image
“Force ought to follow justice and not to precede.”

Edward Coke

About This Quote

Justice must guide the use of power, not the reverse; authority should serve fairness, not dictate it.

In simple terms: Power follows fairness.

Key Takeaway

Authority must be subordinate to justice.

Themes

justice authority ethics political philosophy law

Mood

thoughtful principled reflective

Type

maxim philosophical statement political observation

When to use this quote

  • legislative decision-making
  • judicial review
  • civil rights advocacy
  • government policy formation

Key Concepts

rule of law moral legitimacy balance of power

Practical Applications

  • designing fair governance frameworks
  • evaluating legal reforms

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies ensure power respects justice?
  • What mechanisms prevent authority from preempting fairness?
2.9 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Edward Coke

Explore all 60 Edward Coke quotes

More Force quotes

Browse all 10,458 Force quotes