I do not know whether it is the view of the Court that a…
“I do not know whether it is the view of the Court that a judge must be thick-skinned or just thick-headed, but nothing in my experience or observation confirms the idea that he is insensitive to publicity. Who does not prefer good to ill report of his work? And if fame a good public name is, as Milton said, the "last infirmity of noble mind", it is frequently the first infirmity of a mediocre one.”
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 may be tough but must still care about public perception; reputation matters for both great and mediocre minds.
In simple terms: Judges need reputation and public image.
Key Takeaway
Protect your reputation.
Themes
reputation
public perception
judicial conduct
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
professional
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- media interviews
- public statements
- career advancement
Key Concepts
ethics
media relations
leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- How does public opinion shape judicial behavior?
- Can a judge remain impartial under scrutiny?
A Different Perspective
Even a thick‑skinned judge can be swayed by public opinion.