Law turned from a multiplier of royal power into its subtractor.

Evidence

Throughout the Middle Ages, judicial prac:ticewas-amultiplier of royal power. Now when this new governmental rationality develops in the sixteenth century, and especially from the start of the seventeenthcentury,law provides_th<:: basis for any one who wants to limit in one way or another this indefinite extension of raison d’Etatthat is becoming embodied in a police state. Legal theory and judicial institutions no longer serve as the multiplier, but rather as the subtractor ofroyal power. — Michel Foucault, The Birth of Biopolitics, 161

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Western juridical thought was built around and for royal power. — Michel Foucault, Society Must Be Defended, 43; Magna Carta established the principle of law above the King. — Winston Churchill, A History of the English-Speaking…, 398; The root principle of law above the King has enduring significance. — Winston Churchill, A History of the English-Speaking…, 399 (+6 more)

Broader Connections

• Magna Carta established the principle of law above the King. #exemplifies (0.85) — Winston Churchill, A History of the English-Speaking…, 398
• A ruler who makes law objectively subordinates himself to that law. #expands (0.85)
• Western juridical thought was built around and for royal power. #expands (0.80) — Michel Foucault, Society Must Be Defended, 43
• The root principle of law above the King has enduring significance. #exemplifies (0.80) — Winston Churchill, A History of the English-Speaking…, 399
• Imperial expansion agents replaced man-made law with the law of expansion justified by success. #exemplifies (0.80) — Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism, 555
• Sacralized imperial power frames law itself as a snare that weakens authority #exemplifies (0.80) — Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism, 2449
• An appointed and uncorrectable earthly fate replaces the rule of law. #exemplifies (0.80) — Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism, 2694
• Revived Roman law was a key instrument of absolute monarchy. #contradicts (0.75) — Michel Foucault, Society Must Be Defended, 43