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About this quote

What does it mean?
Legal systems often oppress the disadvantaged while serving the interests of the wealthy.
In plain terms
The rich control the law and use it to hurt the poor.
What can you take from it?
Law favors the powerful over the vulnerable.

Where it applies

  • legal disputes
  • social reform
  • public policy

Putting it to work

  • legal aid
  • policy advocacy
  • social justice

Questions to consider

  • Is the system truly fair?
  • Who benefits from current laws?

Another view

Not all laws are designed to oppress the poor.

More from Oliver Goldsmith

  1. For just experience tells; in every soil, That those that think must govern those that toil.

    Permalink to quote #25
  2. Vain, very vain, my weary search to find That bliss which only centers in the mind.

    Permalink to quote #27
  3. Pride in their port, defiance in their eye, I see the lords of humankind pass by.

    Permalink to quote #24

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