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Follow Quote by Charles T. Canady

“My job is to follow the law, not to make up the law that has been promulgated by the people or the people's representatives.” quote by Charles T. Canady
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“My job is to follow the law, not to make up the law that has been promulgated by the people or the people's representatives.”

Charles T. Canady

About This Quote

Source Speech: Judicial Oath, United States, 2020

A judge's duty is to apply existing law, not to create new legislation.

In simple terms: Judges enforce, not legislate.

Key Takeaway

Respect the law as written.

Themes

law judiciary responsibility

Mood

formal serious

Type

ethical professional

When to use this quote

  • courtroom decisions
  • legislative drafting
  • public policy debates

Key Concepts

legal interpretation separation of powers

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance personal conscience with legal duty?
  • When is it appropriate to challenge existing law?
A Different Perspective

Judges may face ambiguous statutes requiring interpretation.

2.4 out of 5 (4 ratings)

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