Skip to content

Amendments Quote by Hugo Black

“The First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. That wall must be kept high and impregnable. We could not approve the slightest breach.” quote by Hugo Black
Download Open image
“The First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. That wall must be kept high and impregnable. We could not approve the slightest breach.”

Hugo Black

About This Quote

Source Speech: Supreme Court Confirmation, 1937

The First Amendment should maintain a strong, unbreachable separation between religion and government to protect both.

In simple terms: Keep church and state strictly separate.

Key Takeaway

Defend a robust wall between church and state.

Themes

religion government freedom

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

legal political

When to use this quote

  • legislation
  • public policy
  • education
  • media reporting

Key Concepts

separation of church and state constitutional law

Questions to Reflect On

  • How should societies balance religious expression with secular law?
  • What limits, if any, should exist on religious influence?
A Different Perspective

Absolute separation may be impractical in pluralistic societies.

2.5 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Hugo Black

Explore all 66 Hugo Black quotes

More Amendments quotes

Browse all 703 Amendments quotes