Argument Quote by Edward Coke
“The law compells no man to impossible things. The argument ab impossibili is forcible in law.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: “Institutes of the Law of England” (1628) by Edward Coke
Law cannot compel people to do impossible acts; such arguments are invalid.
In simple terms: Law cannot force impossible actions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize legal limits.
Themes
law
logic
possibility
Mood
formal
analytical
Type
legal
scholarly
When to use this quote
- court cases
- legislative drafting
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
jurisprudence
argumentation
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines an “impossible” act in law?
- How do courts handle impossible obligations?
A Different Perspective
Legal reasoning may ignore moral nuance.
