Skip to content

The profession of the law of which he [a judge] is a part…

“The profession of the law of which he [a judge] is a part is charged with the articulation and final incidence of the successive efforts towards justice; it must feel the circulation of the communal blood or it will wither and drop off, a useless member.” quote by Learned Hand
Download Open image
“The profession of the law of which he [a judge] is a part is charged with the articulation and final incidence of the successive efforts towards justice; it must feel the circulation of the communal blood or it will wither and drop off, a useless member.”

Learned Hand

About This Quote

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

A judge’s role connects to society’s collective values; without that connection, the law becomes ineffective.

In simple terms: Law must reflect community values.

Key Takeaway

Maintain law’s link to society.

Themes

justice law society

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical legal

When to use this quote

  • court decisions
  • public policy
  • community engagement

Key Concepts

social contract legal philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does law serve the public good?
  • What happens when law loses its social pulse?
A Different Perspective

Legal systems can be slow to adapt to societal change.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Learned Hand

Explore all 101 Learned Hand quotes

More Articulation quotes

Browse all 77 Articulation quotes