Law is nothing other than a certain ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by the person who has the care of the community.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote delves into the essence and purpose of law, emphasizing its role as a rational framework established for the betterment of society. It suggests that law is not arbitrary but rather a deliberate and reasoned regulation put in place by those entrusted with the well-being of the community.
The quote highlights the idea that law serves as a mechanism to promote the common good and maintain order within a society. It suggests that laws are designed to ensure fairness, justice, and the protection of individual rights while also considering the collective welfare of the community as a whole.
By emphasizing the importance of reason and rationality, the quote implies that laws should be based on logical and ethical principles, taking into account the needs and values of the community they govern. It underscores the notion that law should be grounded in a thoughtful and considerate approach that aims to create a just and harmonious society.
This quote also acknowledges the role of authority in promulgating and enforcing laws. It recognizes that those entrusted with the care of the community have a responsibility to establish and uphold laws that serve the best interests of the people they govern.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Law is nothing other than a certain ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by the person who has the care of the community." was said by Thomas Aquinas (Bio / Quotes). Thomas Aquinas was a medieval Italian philosopher and theologian who is best known for his work "Summa Theologica.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One illustrative historical example of the quote, “Law is nothing other than a certain ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by the person who has the care of the community,” is the creation of the Code of Justinian, also known as the Corpus Juris Civilis, in the 6th century AD.
Emperor Justinian I of the Byzantine Empire undertook the monumental task of codifying Roman law. The Roman legal system had evolved over centuries, and by Justinian’s time, it was a complex mix of statutes, legal opinions, and principles that had become somewhat disorganized. Justinian’s goal was to create a unified and rational system of law that would serve the common good of his empire.
The Code of Justinian was carefully structured into three parts: the Codex Justinianus, which compiled existing imperial laws; the Digesta or Pandectae, which summarized legal opinions from renowned jurists; and the Institutiones, a textbook for law students outlining the principles of Roman law. This legal compilation was designed to be a comprehensive and clear guide for judges, lawyers, and citizens, aiming to ensure fairness and consistency in legal proceedings.
Justinian’s law code was more than just a collection of rules; it was a reflection of the rational and systematic approach to governance and legal administration. It addressed various aspects of daily life, property rights, and legal processes, seeking to protect the rights and interests of the common people. His effort exemplified how law, as an ordinance of reason, could be systematically developed and promulgated to achieve the common good and maintain order within the community.
This example illustrates the quote by showing how a well-structured legal system, designed with reason and for the common good, can significantly impact and improve governance and justice in a community.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In a modern context, the quote can be applied to the way laws and regulations are crafted and implemented in democratic societies. Consider the process of enacting new environmental regulations aimed at combating climate change.
When lawmakers draft and implement environmental laws, they follow the principle that these laws should be based on reason and serve the common good. For instance, when a government introduces regulations to limit carbon emissions from industrial activities, the objective is to protect public health, preserve natural resources, and ensure a sustainable future for all citizens. These laws are intended to address a pressing global issue that affects everyone, reflecting the principle that laws should promote the common welfare.
The creation of these regulations involves scientific research, public consultations, and deliberation to ensure that the laws are effective and just. Lawmakers and environmental experts work together to develop policies that balance economic needs with environmental protection. This process exemplifies the quote by demonstrating how reasoned and well-considered legislation is designed with the community’s best interests in mind.
In everyday life, this principle can guide individuals and organizations in their decision-making processes. For example, a company that adopts ethical business practices and fair treatment of employees reflects the idea that actions and policies should be based on reason and serve the common good. By prioritizing ethical standards and social responsibility, the company contributes positively to the community, aligning with the quote’s notion of law as an ordinance of reason for the common good.
In both legislative and personal contexts, the key takeaway is that laws and decisions should be crafted with careful thought and a focus on benefiting the community, ensuring that actions are just, fair, and contribute to the overall well-being of society.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
