“More law, less justice.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
table of contents
Quote
“More law, less justice.”
Explanation
Cicero delivers a sharp warning that an overabundance of laws can actually undermine justice. The paradox here is that when legal systems become excessively complex, rigid, or bureaucratic, they may serve technicalities rather than truth or fairness. By saying “more law, less justice,” Cicero implies that true justice is not found in the sheer volume of legislation, but in its clarity, purpose, and moral alignment.
In the Roman Republic, Cicero witnessed firsthand how legal manipulation and procedural overload could be used to delay or pervert justice, especially by the powerful. His Stoic and natural law beliefs emphasized that law must serve the higher goal of equity and the common good, not become an oppressive or confusing structure that obscures right from wrong. His statement reflects his deep concern that the spirit of justice must not be lost in the letter of the law.
In modern societies, Cicero’s insight remains strikingly relevant. Legal systems around the world often suffer from over-legislation, inaccessible language, and rules that prioritize form over fairness. This quote challenges lawmakers, judges, and citizens alike to remember that the ultimate purpose of law is justice—and that justice must remain simple, humane, and rooted in moral truth, not buried under layers of complexity.
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