Single Idea 22551

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 2. The Law / b. Rule of law]

Full Idea

The laws, when correctly laid down, should be in control, and the ruler, whether one or many, should have control only of those matters on which the laws cannot pronounce with exactness.

Gist of Idea

Correct law should be in control, with rulers only deciding uncertain issues

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1282b01)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.69


A Reaction

It is obvious that general laws cannot cover each individual cases. Aristotle doesn't yet have the concept of an independent judiciary to handle this problem, so this is not true separation of powers.

Related Idea

Idea 422 The people should fight for the law as if for their city-wall [Heraclitus]