“The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
Quote
“The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly.”
Explanation
This quote highlights the idea that the enforcement of a bad law can often expose its flaws and unpopularity, making it more likely to be repealed. Lincoln suggests that, by following the law to the letter, its unintended consequences or its inherent injustice become evident, which can lead to public outcry and a desire for change. This approach uses the principle of practical demonstration—sometimes it is not until something is put into action that people realize its faults.
The quote reflects Lincoln’s pragmatic nature as a leader, especially in dealing with contentious issues like slavery. For example, while slavery was legally protected in Southern states, Lincoln understood that its expansion into new territories, if enforced under the laws of the time, could eventually spark a broader recognition of its moral and legal failings, leading to greater support for its abolition. This idea would later become a tactic in the fight against slavery and other unjust practices, where people would highlight the contradictions and harms inherent in the law.
In modern times, this principle can be seen in the advocacy for reform in various areas, from criminal justice to taxation policies, where strict enforcement of laws that many see as unjust can push for reform by showing their negative consequences more clearly. It’s a reminder that change is often driven not just by moral persuasion, but by the practical consequences of law as it stands.
