Frequently you have a clash between the more sterile…
“Frequently you have a clash between the more sterile letter of the law and the justice that underlies it, and I think one of the things I've been trying more or less, where it was possible, is to go with the justice rather than the letter of the law.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When law’s literal wording conflicts with underlying justice, prioritize fairness over strict adherence to the text.
In simple terms: Justice over the letter of law.
Key Takeaway
Equity trumps formalism.
Themes
law
justice
ethics
interpretation
Mood
thoughtful
principled
Type
analytical
ethical
When to use this quote
- court rulings
- policy drafting
- human‑rights advocacy
Key Concepts
legal philosophy
moral reasoning
Practical Applications
- apply purposive interpretation
- consider impact on affected parties
Questions to Reflect On
- When should strict law be overridden?
- How to balance consistency with fairness?
A Different Perspective
Too much flexibility can erode legal certainty.