Rule of law as the bedrock of civilisation

I am sorry to have to disabuse Tony Mifsud (Marriage: The Bedrock of Civilisation, October 16). But his attribution to me of the phrase “marriage is the bedrock of civilisation” is, sadly, misplaced. It was, I fear, a piece of hyperbole concocted by an...

I am sorry to have to disabuse Tony Mifsud (Marriage: The Bedrock of Civilisation, October 16). But his attribution to me of the phrase “marriage is the bedrock of civilisation” is, sadly, misplaced.

It was, I fear, a piece of hyperbole concocted by an overenthusiastic subeditor, who placed it as a headline over a letter of mine about the importance of strengthening marriage in every way. It was not my choice of words.

Much as I think that good marriages are a significant force for good in society – and to be supported by all means possible, including remarriage after legal separation – I would personally place the just application of the rule of law as the bedrock of civilisation.

There may be other contenders for the title and I should be grateful to know what others think.

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