Law, in its most general and comprehensive sense, signifies a rule of action; and is applied indiscriminately to all kinds of action, whether animate, or inanimate, rational or irrational. Thus we say, the laws of motion, of gravitation, of optics, or mechanics, as well as the laws of nature and of nations. And it is that rule of action, which is prescribed by some superior, and which the inferior is bound to obey.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Blackstone defines law broadly as a rule of action prescribed by a superior, covering both nature and human conduct.
- In plain terms
- Law is any rule that tells things how to act, whether natural or man made.
- What can you take from it?
- Understanding law requires seeing it as both physical and social rules.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is law really?
- How do rules govern us?
Another view
The definition is broad and may conflate natural phenomena with legal codes.
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