We do not sit as a superlegislature to weigh the wisdom of legislation.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Courts should not act as a higher legislative body that judges whether laws are wise.
- In plain terms
- Judges should not rewrite laws or decide if they are good just because they disagree.
- What can you take from it?
- Understand the limited role of courts in reviewing laws.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where is the line between review and overreach?
- What is the court's job?
Another view
Sometimes courts must act when laws clearly violate rights.
More from William O. Douglas
We deal with a right of privacy older than the Bill of Rights-older than our political parties, older than our school system.
Permalink to quote #43 We who have the final word can speak softly or angrily. We can seek to challenge and annoy, as we need not stay docile and quiet.
Permalink to quote #45 The way to combat noxious ideas is with other ideas. The way to combat falsehoods is with truth.
Permalink to quote #42
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