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I don't view prosecutors and attorneys as natural enemies…

“I don't view prosecutors and attorneys as natural enemies. ... Though their roles are oppositional, the two simply have different roles to play in pursuit of the larger purpose, realizing the rule of law. ... This is not to deny that the will to win drives those efforts. ... Rather, it is simply…” quote by Sonia Sotomayor
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“I don't view prosecutors and attorneys as natural enemies. ... Though their roles are oppositional, the two simply have different roles to play in pursuit of the larger purpose, realizing the rule of law. ... This is not to deny that the will to win drives those efforts. ... Rather, it is simply to insist that ultimately, neither the accused nor society is served unless the integrity of the system is set above the expedient purposes of either side.”

Sonia Sotomayor

About This Quote

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

Prosecutors and defense attorneys serve different but essential functions; the system’s integrity must outweigh individual ambitions.

In simple terms: Both sides are needed; system integrity matters.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize fairness over winning.

Themes

justice law ethics integrity

Mood

reflective balanced

Type

ethical institutional

When to use this quote

  • courtroom
  • policy reform
  • legal education
  • public trust

Key Concepts

rule of law adversarial system professional responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards ensure integrity in adversarial processes?
  • How do personal motivations affect legal outcomes?
A Different Perspective

Winning can compromise fairness if integrity is ignored.

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