INTRODUCTION.
An ideal code has been contemplated by many law reformers in which every case which could possibly occur should be provided for, and the determination simply effected by reference to the code
no
in its application that
—
of
it
be
a code so universal
difficulty could be found,
but the
solution of every legal problem would be at once disclosed.
A
very small experience, however, of the infinite variety of
human
the incidents of
convince us that such an
life will
ideal code is
an impossibility, and that the utmost that can
be done
to
is
establish
some
principles by reference to
but even then the which a question may be decided principles must be stated so generally that their very Hence generality may work injustice if rigidly adhered to. Aristotle's idea of the iineiKes and the ^TravopBoaiia v6[iov lAAetVet
fj
bta TO KaOoXov.
The necessity
of
some regulations
to
enable
human
creatures to live as an associated body has produced and
reproduced
the
same
countries of the world. of
cycle
of
events
would seem
to
attributes to
Lycurgus that
Laws and forms the
various
and written rules
be an essential element, though tradition
hence have been called
until
the
This necessity has developed forms
government, and systems of laws
first
in
of
his laws
were only spoken, and
pijrpau
government grow imperceptibly
necessities
of
an
advancing
at
civilisation
