Constitution Quote by Antonin Scalia
“As a general rule, I do not think it appropriate for judges to heap either praise or censure upon a legislative measure that comes before them, lest it be thought that their validation, invalidation, or interpretation of it is driven by their desire to expand or constrict what they personally approve or disapprove as a matter of policy.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Role of the Judiciary, 1995
Judges should avoid praising or condemning legislation to maintain impartiality and prevent perceived policy bias.
In simple terms: Judges stay neutral on laws.
Key Takeaway
Maintain judicial independence.
Themes
judicial impartiality
legislative review
separation of powers
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
legal
judicial
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- legislative hearings
- public trust
- legal analysis
Key Concepts
judicial ethics
policy influence
Questions to Reflect On
- Should judges ever express policy preferences?
- How can courts stay truly neutral?
A Different Perspective
Judicial commentary may be unavoidable in high‑profile cases.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
