Certainty Quote by Philip Hamburger

“Indeed, during the ensuring centuries, Englishmen repeatedly protested that a king could “not break or dispense with the positive laws,” and they asked, “What certainty should there be in anything, where all depend on one’s will and affection?” quote by Philip Hamburger — Download Open image

““Indeed, during the ensuring centuries, Englishmen repeatedly protested that a king could “not break or dispense with the positive laws,” and they asked, “What certainty should there be in anything, where all depend on one’s will and affection?””

Philip Hamburger

About This Quote

Source Book: The Rise of the Modern Legal Profession, Philip Hamburger, 2005

He questions the stability of law when it relies on a ruler’s personal will rather than fixed, positive statutes.

In simple terms: Law based on a ruler’s whims lacks certainty.

Key Takeaway

Seek stable, written laws over arbitrary authority.

Themes

law philosophy politics authority certainty

Mood

critical thoughtful inquisitive

Type

legal political philosophical

When to use this quote

legislative drafting
judicial review
government policy
civil rights advocacy
academic debate

Key Concepts

legal positivism rule of law political theory constitutional stability

Questions to Reflect On

What safeguards ensure law remains impartial?
How can societies protect against arbitrary rule?

A Different Perspective

Even written laws can be undermined by power.

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