Concrete Quote by William Ernest Hocking
“The only thing that can set aside a law as wrong is a better law, or an idea of a better law. And the only thing that an give a law the quality of better or worse is the concrete result which it promotes or fails to promote.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Philosophy of Law, 1925
A law's moral standing is judged by its outcomes and the possibility of a better alternative; better laws arise from superior results or ideas.
In simple terms: Law quality depends on results and better alternatives.
Key Takeaway
Evaluate laws by their impacts and seek improvements.
Themes
law
ethics
progress
justice
policy
evaluation
Mood
critical
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- court decisions
- public policy
- activism
- academic debate
Key Concepts
normative theory
consequentialism
legal reform
Questions to Reflect On
- What laws could be improved in your society?
- How do you measure a law's success?
A Different Perspective
Legal change can be slow and face resistance.
