法不徇情 (Fǎ bù xùn qíng)

Basic Info

Chinese Idiom: 法不徇情 (Fǎ bù xùn qíng)
Pinyin: fǎ bù xùn qíng
Literal meaning: “The law does not bend to personal feelings.”
(法 = law; 不 = not; 徇 = to yield / bend / show favoritism; 情 = personal feelings / private affection)

Figurative Definition

It means that the law must be applied impartially and fairly, without favoritism or bending for personal relationships. A judge, ruler, or official should not let family ties, friendship, wealth, or personal feelings influence legal decisions. The idiom praises strict, impartial justice and is the opposite of corruption or nepotism.

Cultural & Historical Origin

This idiom comes from the Ming Dynasty novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong, Chapter 72.

In the story, Cao Cao speaks to his son Cao Zhang (曹彰) and says:

“居家为父子，受事为君臣，法不徇情，尔宜深戒。”
(“At home we are father and son; in public service we are ruler and minister. The law does not bend to personal feelings – you should deeply heed this.”)

Cao Cao was reminding his son that in matters of state, their relationship as father and son must not interfere with justice. This reflects the traditional Chinese ideal – influenced by Legalist thought – that law should be above private emotion, even within the royal family.

Key Lesson

Justice must be blind to personal relationships. A fair society depends on laws that apply equally to everyone, including those in power and their loved ones. Leaders, judges, and officials must resist the temptation to show favoritism. True integrity means enforcing the rules even when it hurts you or someone you love.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, “法不徇情” is often cited to praise upright officials who punish even their own relatives or refuse bribes. It is closely related to:

法不阿贵 (fǎ bù ē guì) – “The law does not flatter the noble.”
铁面无私 (tiě miàn wú sī) – “An iron face without selfishness” – describing a strict, impartial judge.

Its opposite is 徇情枉法 (xùn qíng wǎng fǎ) – “Bending the law for personal feelings.”

Similar English Expressions

• The law is no respecter of persons. – The law applies equally to everyone.
• Justice is blind. – Justice should be impartial, without favoritism.
• No one is above the law. – Even the powerful must obey the law.
• Without fear or favor. – Acting fairly, not influenced by pressure or personal ties.
• Let justice be done though the heavens fall. – Justice must be carried out no matter the consequences.
• A rule of law, not of men. – A society governed by laws, not personal whims.
• To hold the scales evenly. – To judge fairly and impartially.

The closest and most natural equivalent is “The law is no respecter of persons” or “Justice is blind.”