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There is no grievance that is a fit object of redress by mob law. In any case that arises, as for instance, the promulgation of abolitionism, one of two positions is necessarily true; that is, the thing is right within itself, and therefore deserves the protection of all law and all good citizens; or, it is wrong, and therefore proper to be prohibited by legal enactments; and in neither case, is the interposition of mob law, either necessary, justifiable, or excusable.

Abraham Lincoln#57

JusticeLawMoralityReform

About this quote

What does it mean?
Mob law is never justified; issues should be resolved through legal channels or moral conviction.
In plain terms
Do not use mob law; use legal systems instead.
What can you take from it?
Rely on law, not vigilante justice.

Where it applies

  • legal debates
  • social reform
  • protest movements

Putting it to work

  • champion legal process
  • reject vigilante actions

Questions to consider

  • When is civil disobedience justified?
  • How do you define just law?

Another view

It assumes legal systems are always capable of addressing grievances.

More from Abraham Lincoln

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  2. That our government should have been maintained in its original form from its establishment until now, is not much to be wondered at. It had many props to supp…

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  3. When men take it in their heads to-day, to hang gamblers, or burn murderers, they should recollect, that, in the confusion usually attending such transactions,…

    Permalink to quote #55

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