Affected Quote by Herb Kohl
“Judicial excellence requires an understanding that the law is more than an intellectual game and more than a mental exercise. He or she must recognize that real people with real problems are affected by the decisions rendered by the court. Justice, after all, may be blind, but it should not be deaf.”
About This Quote
Judicial decisions must consider real human impact, not just abstract legal reasoning.
In simple terms: Law must hear people.
Justice requires empathy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- court sentencing
- policy drafting
- public defender work
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- Integrate victim impact statements into case review
Questions to Reflect On
- How can judges stay objective while acknowledging human suffering?
- What safeguards prevent bias from empathy?
Balancing empathy with impartiality can be challenging in high‑profile cases.