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The law is a crude machine at best, and only spits out…

“The law is a crude machine at best, and only spits out something approaching justice of its attendants are committed to justice. As lawyering has become less about doing right and more about doing what you can get away with, our standards of acceptable shenanigans-as-usual seem to be in a free fall.” quote by Holman W. Jenkins, Jr
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“The law is a crude machine at best, and only spits out something approaching justice of its attendants are committed to justice. As lawyering has become less about doing right and more about doing what you can get away with, our standards of acceptable shenanigans-as-usual seem to be in a free fall.”

Holman W. Jenkins, Jr

About This Quote

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

Law functions poorly unless its practitioners are committed to justice; current practice often prioritizes loopholes over fairness.

In simple terms: Law depends on ethical commitment; otherwise it fails.

Key Takeaway

Uphold justice in legal practice.

Themes

law ethics justice

Mood

critical reflective analytical

Type

essay opinion commentary

When to use this quote

  • courtrooms
  • law firms
  • policy debates
  • academic seminars
  • public forums

Key Concepts

legal theory institutional integrity professional standards

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can legal professionals resist unethical shortcuts?
  • What reforms could strengthen justice?
A Different Perspective

Legal systems can be manipulated without ethical vigilance.

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