It is better that ten guilty persons escape than one innocent suffer.
William BlackstoneRead
THIS law of nature, being co-eval with mankind and dictated by God himself, is of course superior in obligation to any other. It is binding over all the globe, in all countries, and at all times: no human laws are of any validity, if contrary to this; and such of them as are valid derive all their force, and all their authority, mediately or immediately, from this original.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Natural law is a fundamental principle that takes precedence over human-made laws.
The quote emphasizes the concept of natural law, which is believed to be inherent and universally applicable to all humanity. It suggests that laws created by humans hold no legitimacy if they conflict with the moral laws set by a higher authority, often perceived as God or nature, asserting that all valid laws ultimately derive their strength from these foundational principles.
Themes
Natural LawHuman RightsMoralityLegitimacyEthics
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on human rights, one might reference this quote to underscore the importance of universal moral principles.
More from William Blackstone
All quotes →That the king can do no wrong is a necessary and fundamental principle of the English constitution.
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The public good is in nothing more essentially interested, than in the protection of every individual's private rights.
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There is nothing which so generally strikes the imagination and engages the affections of mankind, as the right of property.
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Law is the embodiment of the moral sentiment of the people.
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No enactment of man can be considered law unless it conforms to the law of God
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Nothing can prevent us from another day and night, and the myth of perpetual flight.
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