Law is a sacred sanction, commanding what is proper and forbidding what is contrary.

Explanation

The binding force of law rests on its sacred character — it commands what is honorable and forbids what is dishonorable. When it does the reverse, it forfeits its claim to obedience.

Where this applies

• A law commands something dishonorable and its sacred character is questioned.
• A statute forbids what is clearly proper and right.

See also

• 1.5.1 Law is the highest reason, which commands what is useful and necessary, and forbids what is contrary thereto.
• 1.5.8 The precepts of the law are these: to live honorably, to harm no one, to render to every one his due.