“We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.”
Explanation
In this quote, Ronald Reagan emphasizes the foundational principle of personal responsibility within the American legal and moral framework. By rejecting the notion that society is to blame every time a law is broken, he argues against a growing tendency—particularly in certain intellectual and legal circles—to excuse criminal behavior as a symptom of broader societal failures, such as poverty, discrimination, or lack of opportunity. Instead, Reagan reaffirms the belief that individuals are moral agents, responsible for the choices they make.
This philosophy was central to Reagan’s broader political message, which often focused on law and order, accountability, and limited government intervention. In the context of rising crime and social unrest during the 1970s and early 1980s, Reagan’s call for a return to personal accountability resonated with Americans who felt that traditional values were being eroded. He believed that justice depends on recognizing the distinction between right and wrong—and holding people accountable accordingly.
Today, this quote remains highly relevant in debates about criminal justice reform, social responsibility, and the causes of crime. While there is merit in examining systemic issues that contribute to criminal behavior, Reagan’s words serve as a powerful reminder that excusing wrongdoing by deflecting blame onto society alone risks undermining both justice and individual dignity. His message: a free and orderly society rests on the principle that people must answer for their actions.
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