But how is...legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some persons what belongs to them, and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong. See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime. Then abolish this law without delay, for it is not only an evil itself, but also it is a fertile source for further evils because it invites reprisals.

Summary

This quote argues that "legal plunder" can be easily identified by observing whether the law takes something from some individuals, who rightfully own it, and gives it to others who have no rightful claim to it. If the law benefits one person at the expense of another in a way that would be considered criminal if done by the individual directly, then this law should be immediately abolished. Not only is this kind of law inherently unjust, but it also creates a breeding ground for more injustices as it provokes retaliatory actions. The quote calls for the elimination of such laws to prevent further harm and maintain fairness in society.

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