Faith Quote by H.M. Forester
““When it came to dealing with feral dissidents, there was only one unwritten law that superseded all others: "An' it secure a conviction, do what thou wilt.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The African Queen, H.M. Forester, 1935
When a conviction is secured, the law’s unwritten rule permits any action, highlighting the power of legal certainty over moral restraint.
In simple terms: Legal certainty can justify any action.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the moral limits of legal authority.
Themes
law
ethics
power
justice
Mood
cautionary
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- courtroom decisions
- political negotiations
- law enforcement
- activism
Key Concepts
legal certainty
moral relativism
authoritarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever justified to act beyond moral constraints when law permits?
- How does this rule affect accountability?
A Different Perspective
Legal certainty may be abused to excuse unethical behavior.
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