Good laws arise from evil manners, i.e., are necessitated by the evil behavior of men.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Legislation arises from the need to restrain wrongdoing — it is the misconduct of men that compels the creation of new laws.

Where this applies

• After a string of Ponzi schemes, Congress passes new securities regulations — the bad behavior of the swindlers made the new law necessary.
• A city enacts a noise ordinance only after years of residents blasting music at all hours and disturbing their neighbors.
• Seatbelt laws exist because enough people drove recklessly without them that the legislature had to step in.