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About this quote

What does it mean?
Strict enforcement of flawed laws can highlight their absurdity and lead to repeal.
In plain terms
Following a bad law too closely shows why it is so bad.
What can you take from it?
Expose bad laws by enforcing them to the letter.

Where it applies

  • policy debates
  • legal reform
  • protests

Putting it to work

  • test laws in practice
  • highlight absurdity
  • push for repeal

Questions to consider

  • Can enforcing bad laws help change them?
  • Is this a risky strategy?

Another view

Strict enforcement can cause unnecessary harm before reform occurs.

More from Abraham Lincoln

  1. The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.

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  2. The Lord prefers common-looking people: that is why he made so many of them.

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  3. So you are the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war!

    Permalink to quote #125

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