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About this quote

What does it mean?
The law is a noble profession aimed at justice, though it is sometimes hindered by selfishness or ignorance.
In plain terms
Law seeks justice but is often blocked by bad actors.
What can you take from it?
Justice requires both noble intent and clear principles.

Where it applies

  • legal practice
  • court proceedings
  • reform

Putting it to work

  • lawyering
  • judging
  • legal aid

Questions to consider

  • Is the law inherently noble?
  • What makes a profession truly noble?

Another view

The law can be used as a tool for oppression just as easily as justice.

More from William Jennings Bryan

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  2. You cannot judge a man's life by the success of a moment, by the victory of an hour, or even by the results of a year. You must view his life as a whole. You m…

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  3. A man who murders another shortens by a few brief years the life of a human being; but he who votes to increase the burden of debts upon the people of the Unit…

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