Justice is itself the great standing policy of civil society; and any eminent departure from it, under any circumstances, lies under the suspicion of being no policy at all.

In this quote, Edmund Burke asserts that justice is the foundational principle, or policy, upon which civil society is built. He argues that any significant deviation from justice—no matter the circumstances—casts doubt on whether a coherent and principled policy exists at all. Essentially, Burke is emphasizing that the rule of law and fairness should always be central to the functioning of society, and any attempt to depart from it, especially for expediency or political gain, undermines the integrity of the system.

Burke’s statement also suggests that justice is not just a set of legal standards, but the core value that binds society together. When justice is ignored or distorted, society risks descending into chaos or tyranny, as the very principles that govern behavior and rights are compromised. The phrase "under the suspicion of being no policy at all" implies that without justice, there is no true governing framework or authority, only arbitrary power.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Burke’s broader philosophical and political ideas about society, government, and human rights. Known for his advocacy of conservatism, Burke believed that societal stability depended on maintaining traditional values and legal structures, with justice being the cornerstone of these structures. His critiques of the French Revolution, where he saw the breakdown of law and order, likely influenced his emphasis on the indispensability of justice as a guiding principle.

Ultimately, this quote reinforces the idea that a society without justice is not truly governed—it is at risk of losing its legitimacy and moral foundation. Burke's words serve as a reminder that policy decisions and governance should always prioritize justice, as it is the bedrock on which the stability and moral authority of society rest.