F.S. Nariman rightly found some similarity between the…
““F.S. Nariman rightly found some similarity between the decision of the ADM Jabalpur and that of Dred Scott, rendered more than a century ago in 1857 by a 6:2 majority of the American Supreme Court. The majority in Dred Scott held that a black person could never be a citizen of the US. A strong criticism of this view by Abraham Lincoln got national attention and ultimately helped him win the presidential election, which changed history. In both the cases, powerful dissenting opinions brought about far-reaching changes in these two democracies.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Dissenting opinions, though minority, can spark major societal shifts over time.
In simple terms: Minority views can reshape history.
Value and protect dissent.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- court rulings
- legislative debates
- civil rights movements
- academic discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies encourage constructive dissent?
- What role does dissent play in your field?
Majorities may suppress dissent, delaying progress.