Care Quote by George Deukmejian
“The Supreme Court, or any court, when they make a decision, if that's a published decision, it becomes virtually like a statute. Everybody is suppose to follow that law. Whether I decide to allow a law to become a law without my signature is simply in effect expressing a view that while I don't particularly care for this, the Legislature passed it, it was an overwhelming. vote, or maybe there were other reasons. But my decision not to sign doesn't have to be followed by everybody from that point on”
About This Quote
Source Speech: California Governor's Address, 1995
Court decisions, when published, act like statutes that others are expected to follow, even if the judge refuses to sign.
In simple terms: Published rulings become de‑facto law regardless of signature.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the authority of published decisions.
Themes
law
judiciary
authority
Mood
formal
serious
Type
legal
political
When to use this quote
- court rulings
- policy making
- legislative interaction
- public compliance
Key Concepts
legal precedent
judicial discretion
governmental process
Questions to Reflect On
- Should unpublished decisions be binding?
- How does this affect legislative intent?
A Different Perspective
Judges may lack power to enforce decisions without signatures.
