Already taken Quote by Dallin H. Oaks
“There are people who oppose a federal Constitutional amendment because they think that the law of family should be made by the states. I can see a legitimate argument there. I think it's mistaken, however, because the federal government, through the decisions of life-tenured federal judges, has already taken over that area.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: General Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, 2015
Federal judges have effectively decided family law, making state‑level amendments redundant.
In simple terms: Judges already control family law.
Key Takeaway
Recognize judicial influence on family policy.
Themes
law
federalism
family policy
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
legal
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- state advocacy
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
constitutional law
judicial review
Questions to Reflect On
- Should family law be decided by judges or states?
- What are the risks of centralizing family law?
A Different Perspective
Judicial decisions may not reflect public will.
