Thought: "More law, less Justice " says Cicero

Cicero's statement,

"More law, less justice" (originally in Latin: Summum ius, summa iniuria), reflects a critique of the legal system,

emphasizing how the strict or excessive application of laws can sometimes lead to unjust outcomes.

1. Rigidity of Law: Cicero believed that when laws are applied too rigidly without considering the context or circumstances, they can result in outcomes that are technically legal but morally unjust. For example, a law might be applied to the letter in a way that punishes someone harshly for a minor infraction.

2. Legalism Over Justice: He was concerned that an overemphasis on the law could overshadow the broader principles of fairness and justice. When the focus is solely on enforcing the law, the spirit of justice, which should guide the law, can be lost.

3. Discrepancy Between Law and Morality: Cicero was aware that laws, which are man-made, might not always align with what is morally right. When the law is followed to the extreme without considering ethical implications, the result can be injustice.

In essence, Cicero's statement is a cautionary reminder that the law, while necessary for order, should not be treated as an absolute measure of justice.

True justice requires wisdom, discretion, and an understanding of the spirit behind the law, not just the letter of it.