"When primitive law has once been embodied in a Code, there is an end to what may be called its spontaneous development"

This quote by Henry James Sumner Maine speaks to the idea that when a law has been codified, it is no longer able to develop and establish in a natural, natural way. This suggests that codified laws are fixed and unchanging, which any more advancement should be done through a formal process. This idea is in contrast to the concept that laws can progress and alter with time, as societies and cultures develop and alter. Maine's quote suggests that codified laws are unable to keep up with the changing times, which any more development needs to be done through an official procedure. This can be seen as a restriction of codified laws, as they are not able to keep up with the altering needs of society. However, it can likewise be viewed as an advantage, as codified laws offer a stable and reputable framework for society to operate within.