~ The severity of the laws is counterbalanced by the optional law-abiding.

Where's your version?
Смысл вроде понятен - законы строгие/суровые, но это не так уж и плохо, т.к. исполнять их необязательно. Шутка такая о российской действительности.

http://masterrussian.net/f31/%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C-%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2-12775/

I like this one: If the law seems too harsh or unfair, feel free to break it, it's what expected of you".😅

Aha, now that I understand it, I'd say: The severity of laws is offset/compensated by the option(ality) of (not) obeying them.

Thank you))

The severity of the laws is countermanded by the lack of obligation to implement them.

The law sucks but it doesn't stick!😉

😉