“Useless laws weaken the necessary laws.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
table of contents
Quote
“Useless laws weaken the necessary laws.”
Explanation
Montesquieu warns that overregulation and unnecessary legislation dilute the authority and respect owed to essential laws. When a legal system becomes cluttered with trivial, redundant, or unenforceable rules, people begin to lose faith in the law as a whole. The result is that even the most important laws—those that protect liberty, justice, and public order—may be ignored, misunderstood, or undermined.
This principle reflects Montesquieu’s broader belief in moderation and clarity in governance, a theme central to The Spirit of the Laws. Laws should be few, precise, and tailored to the nature of the society. A bloated legal code invites confusion, selective enforcement, and even contempt for the law. For Montesquieu, good legislation must uphold the spirit of the people while maintaining credibility and coherence.
In modern contexts, this quote remains highly relevant. Overcomplicated legal systems or excessive regulation can lead to inefficiency, legal loopholes, and widespread noncompliance. Montesquieu reminds lawmakers that quality matters more than quantity, and that preserving the strength of law depends on ensuring that every rule serves a clear and necessary purpose.
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