It is the function of a judge not to make but to declare the law, according to the golden mete-wand of the law and not by the crooked cord of discretion.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Judges should declare law, not make it. They must follow fixed rules, not discretion.
- In plain terms
- Judges apply the law, they do not create it.
- What can you take from it?
- Follow the law, not personal discretion.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Should judges make laws?
- How to balance law and fairness?
Another view
Sometimes laws need interpretation to be just.
More from Edmund Burke
Early and provident fear is the mother of safety.
Permalink to quote #28 The cold neutrality of an impartial judge.
Permalink to quote #30 Old religious factions are volcanoes burnt out.
Permalink to quote #27
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