proverb · Words worth keeping
The law says what the king pleases.
The law says what the king pleases.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Rules can be influenced by the wishes of those who hold power. Distinguish the existence of a rule from evidence that it is impartial or fair.
Example
Members of an association ask for a transparent vote rather than accepting a rule changed solely to suit its chair.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The king’s wishes are presented as determining what the law says. Read as political criticism, the image questions authority that makes public rules serve a ruler’s preferences. It encourages asking who decides, who can question the decision and who is affected by it. The saying is not a description of every legal system or current law in any country. Its value is the distinction between power to issue a rule and a justification for that rule. Fair procedures and meaningful accountability matter when a decision shapes other people’s opportunities or obligations.
When to use it
Use it to question whether a rule has a fair and accountable basis.
Keep in mind
Do not treat the saying as legal advice or evidence about a particular institution. Examine the actual procedure and circumstances.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional (French-language collection)
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown