Known Quote by William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield
“Rules of property ought to be generally known, and not to be left upon loose notes, which rather serve to confound principles, than to confirm them.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Commentaries on the Laws of England, 1756
Legal rules should be clear and accessible, not hidden in informal notes that cause confusion.
In simple terms: Law must be clear, not hidden.
Make legal information public and organized.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- court filings
- public policy drafting
- legal education
- citizen rights
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure legal transparency?
- What systems prevent hidden legalities?
Informal notes can be misinterpreted and lack authority.