What does this quote really mean?

[uwofresh]

“The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.” - Anatole France

Does this sound sarcastic to you, saying how law isn't really effective at all?  Or is it really saying that it represents equality and punishes all regardless of one's position?

[r.]

“The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.” - Anatole France

Does this sound sarcastic to you, saying how law isn't really effective at all?  Or is it really saying that it represents equality and punishes all regardless of one's position?

Sarcastic. But I don't think it is saying that the law is not effective at all.

[chastenedaspirations]

“The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.” - Anatole France

Does this sound sarcastic to you, saying how law isn't really effective at all?  Or is it really saying that it represents equality and punishes all regardless of one's position?

He's suggesting that most laws are devised to repress the poor. What's more, these laws are often promulgated using words such as "justice" and "equality." In order to truly understand the quote though, you have to look at the tendency throughout history of the French government to repress the poor with unjust laws. Go see Les Mis....

[echolalia]

Quick question, were you at the Swarthmore College testing center on Saturday? Might just be coincidence, but the proctor mentioned that quote, methinks.