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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker claims the Court's power lies in moral education rather than force.
In plain terms
The Court leads best by teaching moral lessons.
What can you take from it?
Judicial power can be educational.

Where it applies

  • legal commentary
  • civic discussion

Putting it to work

  • advocating judicial role

Questions to consider

  • Can courts teach without enforcing?

Another view

Decisions have legal force beyond just education.

More from William O. Douglas

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  3. We must realize that today's Establishment is the New George III. Whether it will continue to adhere to his tactics, we do not know. If it does, the redress, h…

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