We enact many laws that manufacture criminals, and then a few that punish them.

We enact many laws that manufacture criminals, and then a few that punish them.

Successful crime is dignified with the name of virtue; the good
become the slaves of the impious; might makes read more

Successful crime is dignified with the name of virtue; the good
become the slaves of the impious; might makes right; fear
silences the power of the law.
[Lat., Prosperum ac felix scelus
Virtus vocatur; sontibus patent boni;
Jus est in armis, opprimit leges timor.]

Set a thief to catch a thief.

Set a thief to catch a thief.

Purposelessness is the fruitful mother of crime.

Purposelessness is the fruitful mother of crime.

Whoever profits by the crime is guilty of it.

Whoever profits by the crime is guilty of it.

It takes all sorts of people to make the underworld.

It takes all sorts of people to make the underworld.

There are few better measures of the concern a society has for its individual members and its own well being read more

There are few better measures of the concern a society has for its individual members and its own well being than the way it handles criminals.

Wicked deeds are generally done, even with impunity, for the mere
desire of occupation.
[Lat., Solent occupationis spe read more

Wicked deeds are generally done, even with impunity, for the mere
desire of occupation.
[Lat., Solent occupationis spe vel impune quaedam scelesta
committi.]

A crafty knave needs no broker.

A crafty knave needs no broker.