Appearance Quote by Felix Frankfurter
“It has not been unknown that judges persist in error to avoid giving the appearance of weakness and vacillation.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: American Bar Association, 1935
Judges often hide errors to appear decisive, avoiding the perception of weakness.
In simple terms: Judges conceal mistakes to seem firm.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the cost of appearing infallible.
Themes
law
judicial behavior
integrity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- court rulings
- legal reforms
- judicial training
- public trust
Key Concepts
Cognitive bias
institutional pressure
accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can judges balance confidence with honesty?
- What mechanisms promote accountability?
A Different Perspective
Transparency can undermine authority.
