the more laws the more offenders

Definition & Meaning of "the more laws the more offenders"

the more laws the more offenders

used to imply that as the number of laws and regulations increases, it becomes increasingly difficult to enforce them, which in turn creates more opportunities for people to unintentionally or intentionally violate them

Proverb

What is the origin of the proverb "the more laws the more offenders" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "the more laws the more offenders" is difficult to trace to a single source, as the idea has appeared in various cultures for centuries. The saying suggests that an overly complex or restrictive legal system can lead to an increase in offenses, as individuals may struggle to keep up with the sheer volume of rules. It serves as a reminder that simplicity and clarity in laws may be more effective than an overabundance of regulations.

Example

The city council believed that creating more laws would prevent littering, but it had the opposite effect, as the saying suggests ' the more laws the more offenders'.