"Law describes the way things would work if men were angels"

The quote by Christopher Dawson, "Law describes the way things would work if men were angels", reflects a profound observation on the nature of law and its relationship to human habits and morality. At its core, this statement suggests that the legal system is an idealized construct designed to direct human actions and societal interactions, pursuing a form of excellence unattainable by inherently flawed humans.

If males were angels, the implication is that there would be no need for law in the sense we understand it. Angels, frequently viewed as ideal, moral beings in spiritual and philosophical discourse, would naturally act in ways that are reasonable, simply, and unified without coercion or policy. For this reason, law in its perfect type sets a basic lining up with such perfect conduct, providing frameworks and principles intended to cultivate the best possible human society.

The quote suggests that laws, while authoritative, are aspirational. They articulate how life should be carried out under the presumption of rationality and morality, serving both as a guide and a deterrent to negative habits. Provided human flaws-- our tendencies towards selfishness, conflict, and error-- laws become required tools for establishing order, justice, and peace. They intend to approximate the angelic state amongst human beings, mitigating our drawbacks through structured and enforceable codes of conduct.

Additionally, the quote highlights the fundamental constraints and challenges of legal systems. Laws are developed to attend to the discrepancies in between ideal human behavior and reality, attempting to rectify societal defects and disputes. Yet, laws are themselves set up by people, hence based on predispositions, mistakes, and imperfections. Therefore, while they aim towards angelic ideals, they stay manifestations of human endeavor, continuously needing reform and adaptation.

In summary, Dawson's statement highlights both the aspirational nature of laws and the sustaining human need for regulation due to our imperfections. Law tries to enforce an order reminiscent of angelic perfects however should contend with the very human restrictions it looks for to go beyond.