Against Quote by Edward Coke
“How long soever it hath continued, if it be against reason, it is of no force in law.”
About This Quote
Source Legal Treatise: Institutes of the Lawes of England, 1628
A law that contradicts reason lacks legitimacy and should not be enforced.
In simple terms: Unreasonable laws have no power.
Question the rationality of rules.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- legislative drafting
- civil rights advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is this law truly serving the public good?
- How can we ensure laws remain rational?
Reason can be overridden by political power.