The virtue of a democratic system with a [constitutionally guaranteed right to free speech] is that it readily enables the people, over… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
The American people have determined that the good to be derived from capital punishment - in deterrence, and perhaps most of all… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
Persuade your fellow citizens it's a good idea and pass a law. That's what democracy is all about. It's not about nine… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
Power tends to corrupt. But the power in Washington resides in Congress, if it wants to use it. It can do anything… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
What secret knowledge, one must wonder, is breathed into lawyers when they become Justices of this Court that enables them to discern… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
Justice White's conclusion is perhaps correct, if one assumes that the task of a court of law is to plumb the intent… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
There is no basis in text, tradition, or even in contemporary practice (if that were enough), for finding in the Constitution a… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
As long as judges tinker with the Constitution to 'do what the people want,' instead of what the document actually commands, politicians… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
What is a moderate interpretation of the text? Halfway between what it really means and what you'd like it to mean? — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
If you think aficionados of a living Constitution want to bring you flexibility, think again. You think the death penalty is a good idea?… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
More importantly, the Court forgets that ours is a government of laws and not of men. That means we are governed by the terms… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
Wringing your hands about states' rights, forget it. They're gone. Basically, the federal government can do whatever it wants. Who's going to protect the… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
If you condemn someone who has committed a crime to be tortured, that would be unconstitutional. — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
Burning the flag is a form of expression. Speech doesn't just mean written words or oral words. It could be semaphore. And burning a… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
Being a good person begins with being a wise person. Then, when you follow your conscience, will you be headed in the right direction. — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
The court's job is to uphold the Constitution and you don't call that off in times of crisis. Would the framers have allowed this… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
We have laws against torture. The Constitution says nothing whatever about torture. It speaks of punishment; 'cruel and unusual' punishments are forbidden. — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
If I have brought any message today, it is this: Have the courage to have your wisdom regarded as stupidity. Be fools for Christ.… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
Many think it not only inevitable but entirely proper that liberty give way to security in times of national crisis--that, at the extremes of… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
That's the argument of flexibility and it goes something like this: The Constitution is over 200 years old and societies change. It has to… — Antonin Scalia Copy Share Image
