When you are writing laws you are testing words to find their utmost power. Like spells, they have to make things happen in the real world, and like spells, they only work if people believe in them.
In "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel, the intricate process of lawmaking is compared to casting spells, highlighting the significance of words in shaping reality. The careful choice of language in legislation is portrayed as essential, as it determines the effectiveness of the laws in enacting change. Just as spells require belief to be effective, so too do laws depend on public acceptance and understanding to bring about real-world consequences.
This analogy emphasizes the power of words and the responsibility that comes with crafting laws. It suggests that lawmakers must understand the weight of their words, as they can influence lives and societies. The notion that laws are only as powerful as the belief in them underscores the relationship between language, authority, and the collective conscience of a society.