The King himself should be under no man, but under God and the Law.
Edward CokeRead
It is the worst oppression, that is done by colour of justice
Interpretation
What this quote means
True injustice often masquerades as justice itself, leading to greater oppression.
Edward Coke's quote highlights the insidious nature of oppression that is disguised as justice. This indicates that the systems and institutions intended to uphold justice can sometimes perpetuate the very inequalities they are meant to eradicate, emphasizing the need for vigilance and critical examination of those in power.
Themes
OppressionJusticeInequalityInstitutionPower
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote during a discussion on systemic racism in a community meeting.
More from Edward Coke
All quotes βFor 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
There 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
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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