All human laws are, properly speaking, only declaratory; they have no power over the substance of original justice

All human laws are, properly speaking, only declaratory; they have no power over the substance of original justice

Edmund Burke, an influential Irish statesman and philosopher, believed that human laws are merely declaratory of the principles of justice that already exist in the natural order of things. In his view, laws created by humans do not have the power to alter or override the fundamental principles of justice that are inherent in the universe.

Burke's perspective on the nature of human laws can be traced back to his belief in the importance of tradition and the wisdom of past generations. He argued that the laws and customs that have been passed down through generations are a reflection of the accumulated wisdom of society and should be respected and upheld. In this sense, human laws are not arbitrary creations but are rooted in the principles of justice that have been recognized and affirmed over time.

According to Burke, the purpose of human laws is to clarify and articulate the principles of justice that already exist in the natural order. Laws serve as a guide for individuals and societies to understand and apply these principles in their daily lives. However, laws themselves do not have the power to create or define justice; they can only reflect and uphold the principles that are already present in the universe.

Burke's view on the declaratory nature of human laws has important implications for how we understand the role of government and the limits of political authority. He believed that governments should be limited in their power and should not seek to impose their will on individuals in a way that violates the principles of justice. Instead, governments should act as stewards of justice, upholding and protecting the natural rights and freedoms of their citizens.