On the recordJanuary 27, 1837
But I do mean to say that although bad laws, if they exist, should be repealed as soon as possible, still, while they continue in force, for the sake of example they should be religiously observed.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
In his Lyceum Address, Lincoln articulated the principle that even unjust laws must be obeyed while they remain in effect, for the sake of maintaining legal order.
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