How we cite our quotes: (Act.Paragraph)
Quote #4
ROPER: So now you'd give the Devil benefit of the law!
MORE: Yes. What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the Devil? (1.693-694)
This makes us think of a famous saying: those who would trade their freedom for protection deserve neither. In other words, if you get rid of good laws in order to catch bad people, you're only helping those bad people reach their goals, because the final result will be that it will become easier to get away with bad things now that the laws have been flattened.
Quote #5
MORE: Oh? (Advances on ROPER) And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? (1.696)
Sorry, Roper—you just got served, son. Here, More continues his train of thought from the previous quote, arguing that bypassing laws to do "good" always has negative consequences. Just think about Cromwell. He proves more than willing to throw the law away when it suits him, and we know how that ends up (hint: with his execution).
Quote #6
MORE: [...] I stand on the wrong side of no statute, and no common law. (Takes MEG'S hand too) I have not disobeyed my sovereign. I truly believe no man in England is more safe than myself. (1.711)
This is More's brilliant legal defense: complete and utter silence. And you know what? It almost works. Due to the intricacies of the British legal system, More can only be executed if he admits to committing treason. If he doesn't, he might be able to create enough reasonable doubt to keep himself for getting that gruesome neck-level haircut. It's a clever move.