Ideas from 'Roman Law' by [Roman law] [100], by Theme Structure

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25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 3. Punishment / a. Right to punish
No crime and no punishment without a law
                        Full Idea: An ancient principle of Roman law states, nullum crimen et nulla poene sine lege, - there is no crime and no punishment without a law.
                        From: [Roman law] (Roman Law [c.100]), quoted by A.C. Grayling - Among the Dead Cities Ch.6
                        A reaction: That there is no 'punishment' without law seems the basis of civilization. Suppose a strong person imposed firm punishment in order to forestall more brutal revenge by others? What motivates the creation of criminal laws?