Marcus Tullius Cicero: 'The more laws, the less justice.'
The more laws, the less justice.
"The more laws, the less justice." These profound words by Marcus Tullius Cicero continue to resonate in today's societies, where the sheer volume of laws often overwhelms the pursuit of true justice. At first glance, this quote seems simple – suggesting that an excessive number of laws can hinder the delivery of justice. However, let us delve deeper into the essence of this quote and explore an unexpected philosophical concept to shed new light on the matter.Cicero's quote, in its straightforward interpretation, reflects the idea that an overabundance of laws can dilute the essence of justice itself. When laws multiply, they can become convoluted, contradictory, or excessively technical, making it challenging to ensure fairness and impartiality. Moreover, when laws are numerous, it becomes increasingly difficult for individuals to fully comprehend all the legal intricacies, potentially leading to unintended violations and injustices.However, let us now introduce an intriguing philosophical concept – the contrast between positive law and natural law – to further enhance our understanding of Cicero's quote. Positive law refers to legal systems constructed by human beings, while natural law derives from innate principles of justice believed to be inherent in the world. This philosophical distinction invites us to ponder if the proliferation of man-made laws may deviate from the pursuit of justice grounded in natural laws.Positive laws are undoubtedly necessary for the functioning of societies. They establish rules, secure order, and provide a framework for governance and justice. Yet, in their complexity and abundance, they risk overshadowing justice itself. When positive laws multiply, they can foster a culture of loopholes and technicalities that enable the avoidance of rightful consequences. Justice, being the ultimate goal, can then be obscured behind legalistic maneuvers.Moreover, an excessive number of laws can also exacerbate the disparities between those who possess the means to navigate the legal system and those who do not. The complexity of laws often requires legal expertise to navigate, privileging those who can afford skilled lawyers and leaving the less fortunate at a disadvantage. This distortion further erodes the essence of justice, where fairness should be blind to socioeconomic differences.Contrarily, natural law upholds the fundamental principles of justice that transcend the constructs of positive law. Natural law acknowledges that justice is an inherent part of human nature, emphasizing concepts such as equity, fairness, and the dignity of all individuals. The more positive laws dominate, the more natural law can be overshadowed, and genuine justice can be compromised.Cicero's quote, when examined through the lens of positive and natural law, allows us to question the relationship between laws and justice. While laws are essential, they must align with and serve the broader principles of justice grounded in natural law. Without a conscious effort to maintain this harmony, justice can become elusive, leaving societies bound by excessive but hollow regulations.To reclaim justice from the clutches of overwhelming legal frameworks, a delicate balance must be struck between the necessity of positive laws and the preservation of justice rooted in natural law. Streamlining legal systems, simplifying complex regulations, and prioritizing accessibility to justice for all can help bridge the gap between laws and justice.In conclusion, Cicero's quote, "The more laws, the less justice," reminds us of the potential dangers of an overabundance of laws and invites us to contemplate the interplay between positive and natural law. It prompts us to consider how we can ensure that justice remains the central tenet in the ever-evolving legal landscape. By recognizing the importance of striking the right balance between laws and justice, we can strive toward a society where justice prevails, unhindered by an excessive and convoluted legal web.