Areas Quote by Felix Frankfurter
“What becomes decisive to a Justice's functioning on the Court in the large area within which his individuality moves is his general attitude toward law, the habits of the mind that he has formed or is capable of unforming, his capacity for detachment, his temperament or training for putting his passion behind his judgment instead of in front of it. The attitudes and qualities which I am groping to characterize are ingredients of what compendiously might be called dominating humility.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Legal lecture on judicial temperament, 1945
A judge’s effectiveness depends on humility, detachment, and the ability to set aside personal bias in favor of law.
In simple terms: Judges need humility and detachment to judge fairly.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate humility and objectivity in decision‑making.
Themes
judicial philosophy
humility
detachment
law
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
reflective
When to use this quote
- court deliberations
- law school curricula
- judicial appointments
- ethical training
Key Concepts
dominant humility
judicial temperament
legal reasoning
Questions to Reflect On
- Can true detachment ever be achieved?
- How does personal background shape legal interpretation?
A Different Perspective
Even humble judges may be swayed by personal experiences or political pressure.
![“I'm going to be specific so you can render your verdict. Let's go to North Africa, she was the chief engineer of the disastrous overthrow of [Muamar] Qaddafi in Libya. Libya today after Hillary Clinton's grand strategy? Their economy's in ruins. There's death and violence on the streets, and ISIS…” quote by Chris Christie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4ec/chris-christie-1382_chiefs_i-m-going-to-be-specific-so-you-can-rend_31343.jpg)
![“I am somewhat influenced by the years that I've spent trying to actually get things done, whether it was reforming education in Arkansas or a survey and Legal Services Corporation board when President [Jimmy ]Carter appointed me and trying to get lawyers for poor people. I have worked in these…” quote by Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6c7/hillary-clinton-51_action_i-am-somewhat-influenced-by-the-years-th_9078.jpg)
