“The best interpreter of the law is custom.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“The best interpreter of the law is custom.”
Explanation
This quote emphasizes that long-standing social practices and traditions offer the clearest understanding of how laws should be applied and understood. Cicero asserts that while laws may be written in formal language, it is custom—the habitual and accepted behavior of a people—that reveals their true meaning and function. Custom reflects the spirit, context, and moral expectations of a society, serving as a living guide to the law’s practical application.
In Roman jurisprudence, Cicero viewed law not as an abstract or rigid command, but as something rooted in reason, natural justice, and the moral habits of the community. He believed that custom embodied the collective wisdom of generations, and that a law which opposed deeply entrenched social norms would ultimately fail to command respect. This quote reflects his belief in the organic relationship between legal principles and the lived experience of a people.
Today, Cicero’s insight finds relevance in both legal theory and constitutional practice. Judges often rely on precedent and social norms to interpret vague or contested laws, and legal reforms succeed best when they align with cultural values. His quote reminds us that law does not operate in isolation, but gains legitimacy and clarity through the customs and conscience of the society it governs.
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