'Sir,' said Mr Johnson, 'a lawyer has no business with the justice or injustice of the cause which he undertakes, unless his client asks his opinion, and then he is bound to give it honestly. The justice or injustice of the cause is to be decided by the judge.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Boswell reports Johnson saying lawyers should not judge justice, only advise when asked, leaving judgment to judges.
- In plain terms
- Lawyers give honest advice, but judges decide justice.
- What can you take from it?
- Legal counsel is advisory, not judicial.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is this view still accurate?
- How do lawyers influence outcomes?
Another view
Modern practice often blurs these roles.
More from James Boswell
I fancy mankind may come, in time, to write all aphoristically.
Permalink to quote #2 The best good man, with the worst natur'd muse.
Permalink to quote #3 Influence must ever be in proportion to property; and it is right it should.
Permalink to quote #4
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