Intentions ought to be subordinate to the laws, not the laws to intentions.

Explanation

No man's private purpose can override the settled law. This applies with equal force to legislators who attempt to bend the law to their desired ends.

Where this applies

• A legislator tries to bend the law to achieve their own policy goals.
• Private interests try to shape the law to serve their purposes.

See also

• 1.5.6 Law is a rule of right.
• 2.1.1 The law makes the government, not the government the law.