Skip to content

If one man can be allowed to determine for himself what is…

“If one man can be allowed to determine for himself what is law, every man can. That means first chaos, then tyranny. Legal process is an essential part of the democratic process.” quote by Felix Frankfurter
Download Open image
“If one man can be allowed to determine for himself what is law, every man can. That means first chaos, then tyranny. Legal process is an essential part of the democratic process.”

Felix Frankfurter

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

If law is decided by one, it leads to chaos then tyranny; law must be collective.

In simple terms: Law must be decided by many, not one.

Key Takeaway

Support democratic legal processes.

Themes

law democracy tyranny chaos

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

political legal

When to use this quote

  • legislative bodies
  • court rulings
  • constitutional debates

Key Concepts

rule of law collective decision making

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards prevent legal tyranny?
  • How does collective law protect liberty?
A Different Perspective

Individual power can undermine fairness.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Felix Frankfurter

Explore all 91 Felix Frankfurter quotes

More Chaos quotes

Browse all 2,640 Chaos quotes