For a man's house is his castle, et domus sua cuique tutissimum refugium [and one's home is the safest refuge to everyone].
Edward CokeRead
The King himself should be under no man, but under God and the Law.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that the ultimate authority of a leader should be divine and legal, not subordinate to other men.
Edward Coke's quote reflects on the principle that even those in positions of power, like kings, must ultimately answer to a higher authority, namely God and the established laws. It underscores the idea that no one is above the rule of law and that ethical governance requires accountability to both divine and constitutional standards.
Themes
AuthorityLeadershipLawAccountabilityJustice
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of justice, one might reference this quote to highlight the need for leaders to obey the laws they enact.
More from Edward Coke
All quotes βThere be three kinds of unhappie men. 1. Qui scit & non docet, Hee that hath knowledge and teacheth not. 2. Qui docet & non vivit, He that teacheth, and liveth not thereafter. 3. Qui nescit, & non interrogat, He that knoweth not, and doth not enquire to understand.
Edward CokeRead
No man can be a compleat Lawyer by universalitie of knowledge without experience in particular cases, nor by bare experience without universalitie of knowledge; he must be both speculative & active, for the science of the laws, I assure you, must joyne hands with experience.
Edward CokeRead
It is the worst oppression, that is done by colour of justice
Edward CokeRead
So as grave and learned men may doubt, without any imputation to them; for the most learned doubteth most, and the more ignorant for the most part are the more bold and peremptory.
Edward CokeRead
Reason is the life of the law; nay, the common law itself is nothing else but reason - the law which is perfection of reason.
Edward CokeRead
Similar quotes
I would rather have peace in the world than be President.
Harry S. TrumanRead
Good leadership isn't about advancing yourself. It's about advancing your team.
John C. MaxwellRead
I have yet to find the man, however exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism.
Charles R. SchwabRead
Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.
Robert E. LeeRead
When I started out, there were three things that made film people look at me with condescension, I was young, I was black, and I was female. I have won a certain respect, but I think the film community still sees directing as a male job.
Euzhan PalcyRead
I want to tell you that if the Great Spirit had chosen anyone to be the chief of this country, it is myself.
Sitting BullRead