Always Quote by Jed S. Rakoff
“I've never been impressed with bureaucratic tradition. I don't like it when the parties come to me and say, 'This is the way that it's always done, judge.' I never found anything in the oath I took or the statutes I was asked to look at that said, 'Judge, stop thinking, because this is the way it was done before.'”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Judicial Conference Remarks, 2015
The quote challenges blind adherence to precedent, urging judges to think independently rather than follow tradition for its own sake.
In simple terms: Don't follow tradition blindly; think for yourself.
Key Takeaway
Question established norms when they hinder justice.
Themes
judicial independence
tradition
critical thinking
Mood
reflective
critical
inquisitive
Type
advice
philosophical
legal.
When to use this quote
- courtroom decisions
- legislative drafting
- policy analysis
- legal education
Key Concepts
rule of law
institutional reform
legal ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect for precedent with the need for reform?
- When is it appropriate to deviate from established practice?
A Different Perspective
Tradition can provide stability and consistency, which may be essential in some contexts.