Crime Quote by George Bernard Shaw
“Crime is only the retail department of what, in wholesale, we call penal law.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Man and Superman, 1903
Crime is a minor, everyday part of the larger system of punishment and law.
In simple terms: Crime is a small piece of the law system.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the broader context of legal issues.
Themes
law
justice
society
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- criminal justice education
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
penal theory
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does viewing crime as a 'retail' change your perception of justice?
- What are the limits of this metaphor?
A Different Perspective
It oversimplifies complex social factors behind crime.
