Explaining "One law for the rich and another for the poor"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 10/01/2025, 00:48

English.me team member

What does it mean?

The phrase "One law for the rich and another for the poor" refers to the idea that laws and rules are applied differently depending on a person's wealth or social status. It suggests that wealthy individuals receive more favorable treatment or leniency, while poorer individuals face stricter enforcement or harsher penalties. This expression highlights perceived inequalities and injustices within legal or societal systems.

Tone

Critical

Origin

The phrase "One law for the rich and another for the poor" appears in Captain Frederick Marryat's 1830 novel The King's Own. In the story, a character critiques the unequal application of the law, highlighting how it is treated differently depending on one's social status.

Examples of usage

Many believe that tax evasion cases show there's one law for the rich and another for the poor.
The lenient sentence for the billionaire sparked outrage, with critics saying it's one law for the rich and another for the poor.
Protesters claimed that the legal system operates with one law for the rich and another for the poor.