'If the law supposes that,' said Mr. Bumble . . . , 'the law is a ass - a idiot.'
Source: Oliver Twist, Ch. 51
-- Charles Dickens, (Feb 7 1812-1870), English novelist, dramatist; He was one of most prolific and popular English novelists, e.g., A Christmas Carol, 1843 & Tale of Two Cities, 1859.