Robert Bork, at opening of Judiciary hearings: How should…
““Robert Bork, at opening of Judiciary hearings: How should a judge go about finding the law? The only legitimate way, in my opinion, is by attempting to discern what those who made the law intended... As I wrote in an opinion for our court, the judge's responsibility "is to discern how the framers' values, defined in the context of the world they knew, apply in the world we know. If a judge abandons intentions as his guide, there is no law available to him, and he begins to legislate a social agenda for the American people. That goes well beyond his powers..””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Judges should interpret law based on original intent, not personal agendas.
In simple terms: Law must follow framers' original purpose.
Key Takeaway
Uphold originalist interpretation to preserve rule of law.
Themes
law
judiciary
originalism
democracy
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- policy debates
- constitutional amendments
- legal education
Key Concepts
constitutional intent
judicial restraint
legislative intent
Questions to Reflect On
- How should courts balance original intent with modern realities?
- Is strict originalism always just?
A Different Perspective
Originalism can ignore evolving societal contexts.