Final answer:
Claudius is unable to enforce strict legal measures against Hamlet due to the prince's royal status and popularity among the people, coupled with the sensitive political implications of taking action against the heir apparent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Claudius states that he cannot "put the strong law on Hamlet" because of the complications involving royal privilege and public perception. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, often shortened to Hamlet (/ˈhæmlɪt/), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601.
It is Shakespeare's longest play, with 29,551 words. Set in Denmark, the play depicts Prince Hamlet and his attempts to exact revenge against his uncle, Claudius, who has murdered Hamlet's father in order to seize his throne and marry Hamlet's mother.
Hamlet is not only a prince, but also beloved by the people, which makes straightforward legal action against him problematic. Moreover, the political consequences of such an action against the heir to the throne would be significant. Claudius is in a precarious position because he must maintain his authority while navigating the delicate public and political dynamics at play.