Edmund Burke: “The properties of law are, first, that it should be known; secondly…”

On the record

The properties of law are, first, that it should be known; secondly, that it should be fixed, and not occasional.

Said by

Edmund Burke

Source

Burke outlines essential properties of law, emphasizing the need for clarity and consistency.

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

They must respect that property of which they cannot partake.

Jan 1, 1790

They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.

Jan 1, 1790

In all this procedure I can discern neither the solid sense of plain dealing nor the subtle dexterity of ingenious fraud.

Jan 1, 1790

But what is liberty without wisdom and without virtue?

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Edmund Burke: “The properties of law are, first, that it should be known; secondly, that it should be fixed, and not occasional.”