"A strict observance of the written laws..." - Quote by Thomas Jefferson
A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the highest virtues of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. The laws of necessity, of self-preservation, of saving our country when in danger, are of higher obligation. To lose our country by a scrupulous adherence to written law would be to lose the law itself, with life, liberty, property and all those who are enjoying them with us; thus absurdly sacrificing the end to the means.
More by Thomas Jefferson
More on Law
“The law is a sort of hocus-pocus science that smiles in your face while it picks your pocket.”
“Even the best of men in authority are liable to be corrupted by passion. We may conclude then that the law is reason without passion, and it is therefore preferable to any individual.”
“When asked to borrow money: "I'll see what my lawyer says. . . . And if he says yes, I'll get another lawyer.”
More on Necessity
“Necessity is the mother of taking chances.”
“Pity on the person who has become accustomed to seeing in necessity something arbitrary, who ascribes to the arbitrary some sort of reason, and even claims that following that sort of reason has religious value.”
“No man on earth is truly free, All are slaves of money or necessity. Public opinion or fear of prosecution forces each one, against his conscience, to conform.”