Common law Quote by Daniel Hannan
““The Judges cannot make new law by new decisions; they do not assume a power of that kind: they only endeavour to declare what the common law is and has been from the time when it first existed.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: European Parliament Debate, 2015
Judges interpret existing law, not create new statutes, preserving legal continuity.
In simple terms: Judges apply, law, they don’t make new law.
Key Takeaway
Respect the role of courts as interpreters.
Themes
law
judiciary
legal continuity
Mood
formal
analytical
Type
legal
political
When to use this quote
- court rulings
- legislative drafting
- legal education
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
common law
judicial restraint
Questions to Reflect On
- How should courts handle evolving societal values?
- When is it appropriate for courts to expand legal meaning?
A Different Perspective
Judicial interpretation can be constrained by outdated precedents.
