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
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