No doubt, there are those who believe that judges-and…
“No doubt, there are those who believe that judges-and particularly dissenting judges-write to hear themselves say, as it were, I I I. And no doubt, there are also those who believe that judges are, like Joan Didion, primarily engaged in the writing of fiction. I cannot agree with either of those propositions.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author rejects two stereotypes about judges: that they are self‑indulgent or that they write fiction, asserting a more nuanced view of judicial work.
In simple terms: Judges are neither self‑absorbed nor fictional writers; they have a serious role.
Key Takeaway
Respect the complexity of judicial responsibilities.
Themes
law
judiciary
stereotypes
professionalism
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
legal
institutional
When to use this quote
- courtroom decisions
- legal education
- policy reform
- public perception of law
Key Concepts
legal theory
ethics
institutional analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do judges hold beyond legal interpretation?
- How can the public better understand judicial work?
A Different Perspective
Judges may also be influenced by personal biases despite professionalism.