Doubt Quote by Franklin D Roosevelt
“I hope that your committee will not permit doubt as to constitutionality, however reasonable, to block the suggested legislation (the Guffey Coal Control Bill)”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional Record, 1935, discussion of the Guffey Coal Control Bill
Advocates for legislation to be judged on constitutionality, not blocked by doubt, even if reasonable
In simple terms: Legislation should not be stopped by uncertain doubts about constitutionality
Key Takeaway
Ensure laws pass if they meet constitutional standards
Themes
law
government
constitution
policy
legislation
Mood
serious
determined
Type
political
legal
When to use this quote
- Congressional debate
- policy drafting
- legal review
- public advocacy
Key Concepts
constitutional law
legislative process
political strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can lawmakers balance constitutional scrutiny with practical policy needs?
- What safeguards prevent misuse of “reasonable doubt” in legislation?
A Different Perspective
Legislative bodies may still be swayed by political pressure despite legal arguments
