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To embarrass justice by multiplicity of laws, or to hazard…

“To embarrass justice by multiplicity of laws, or to hazard it by confidence in judges, seem to be the opposite rocks on which all civil institutions have been wrecked, and between which legislative wisdom has never yet found an open passage.” quote by Samuel Johnson
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“To embarrass justice by multiplicity of laws, or to hazard it by confidence in judges, seem to be the opposite rocks on which all civil institutions have been wrecked, and between which legislative wisdom has never yet found an open passage.”

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

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

Too many laws or too much trust in judges can undermine justice and destabilize institutions.

In simple terms: Excessive laws or blind trust in judges harm justice.

Key Takeaway

Balance lawmaking with judicial accountability.

Themes

justice law government institution wisdom

Mood

concerned analytical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • legislative drafting
  • court reform
  • policy analysis
  • public administration

Key Concepts

legal theory checks and balances institutional stability

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we ensure laws are clear yet flexible?
  • What safeguards protect against judicial overreach?
A Different Perspective

Overreliance on judges can still lead to bias despite fewer laws.

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