Single Idea 22556

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 2. The Law / a. Legal system]

Full Idea

Laws that are in accord with habits have more control and deal with things that have more control than do written laws.

Gist of Idea

Laws that match people's habits are more effective than mere written rules

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1287b05)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.80


A Reaction

This is the problem of bringing the law into disrepute, by insisting on behaviour that goes against the grain. But there are laws, such as those against racism, which are designed to break bad habits.

Related Idea

Idea 2829 The law is the mean [Aristotle]