I think it can be shown that the law makes ten criminals where it restrains one. On that basis it would not, as a matter of policy merely, be an economical institution.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Laws often create more criminals than they stop, making them economically inefficient as a policy tool.
- In plain terms
- Laws cause more crime than they prevent, so they are not cost-effective.
- What can you take from it?
- Laws can increase crime rather than reduce it.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does punishment prevent crime?
Another view
Some laws prevent harm beyond just criminalization.
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