Crime Quote by Frederic Bastiat
“Sometimes the law defends plunder and participates in it. Sometimes the law places the whole apparatus of judges, police, prisons and gendarmes at the service of the plunderers, and treats the victim - when he defends himself - as a criminal.”
About This Quote
Law can become an instrument of oppression, protecting those who exploit wealth while criminalizing self‑defense of the oppressed.
In simple terms: Law as a tool of plunder.
Key Takeaway
Legal systems may serve the powerful, not justice.
Themes
Power
Justice
Legalism
Inequality
Authority
Mood
Defiant
Critical
Skeptical
Type
Political
Philosophical
When to use this quote
- Activist confronting police
- Victim defending property
- Whistleblower facing prosecution
- Community resisting unjust statutes
Key Concepts
Legal oppression
Self‑defense
State power
Practical Applications
- Legal reform advocacy
- Human rights education
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens hold institutions accountable?
- What mechanisms can prevent law from being weaponized?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that law is neutral and merely reflects societal norms, not an active participant in plunder.
