Court Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“Laws are a dead letter without courts to expound and define their true meaning and operation.”
About This Quote
Source Document: The Federalist Papers, No. 78, 1788
Laws need courts to interpret them; otherwise they remain ineffective.
In simple terms: Laws need courts to work.
Key Takeaway
Support strong judicial review.
Themes
law
interpretation
government
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
political
legal
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- court cases
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
judicial review
legal meaning
Questions to Reflect On
- How do courts balance interpretation and activism?
- Should courts have final authority?
A Different Perspective
Courts can be biased or overreach.
![“[W]ar is a question, under our constitution, not of Executive, but of Legislative cognizance. It belongs to Congress to say whether the Nation shall of choice dismiss the olive branch and unfurl the banners of War.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd8/alexander-hamilton-619_banner_w-ar-is-a-question-under-our-constitutio_33383.jpg)
![“It is one thing to be subordinate to the laws, and another [for the Executive] to be dependent on the legislative body. The first comports with, the last violates, the fundamental principles of good government; and, whatever may be the forms of the Constitution, unites all power in the same hands.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be4/alexander-hamilton-619_body_it-is-one-thing-to-be-subordinate-to-the_129196.jpg)
