Skip to content

Take away from the courts, if it could be taken away, the…

“Take away from the courts, if it could be taken away, the power to issue injunctions in labor disputes, and it would create a privileged class among the laborers and save the lawless among their number from a most needful remedy available to all men for the protection of their business interests…” quote by William Howard Taft
Download Open image
“Take away from the courts, if it could be taken away, the power to issue injunctions in labor disputes, and it would create a privileged class among the laborers and save the lawless among their number from a most needful remedy available to all men for the protection of their business interests against unlawful invasion… The secondary boycott is an instrument of tyranny, and ought not to be made legitimate.”

William Howard Taft

About This Quote

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

The quote argues that allowing courts to issue injunctions in labor disputes would favor privileged workers and deny essential legal protection, labeling secondary boycotts as tyrannical.

In simple terms: Granting injunctions harms workers and empowers tyranny.

Key Takeaway

Protect workers’ rights and limit court power.

Themes

labor law justice power rights tyranny

Mood

critical concerned

Type

political legal historical

When to use this quote

  • union negotiations
  • court reforms
  • policy debates
  • civil rights activism

Key Concepts

injunctions secondary boycott legal privilege worker protection

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should courts intervene in labor disputes?
  • How can workers be protected without tyrannical tools?
A Different Perspective

The argument may overlook the need for legal mechanisms to prevent violence or fraud in labor actions.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by William Howard Taft

Explore all 142 William Howard Taft quotes

More Available quotes

Browse all 2,134 Available quotes