Bases Quote by Jerome Frank
“Every lawyer of experience comes to know (more or less unconsciously) that in the great majority of cases, the precedents are none too good as bases of prediction. Somehow or other, there are plenty of precedents to go around.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Law and the Modern Mind, 1949
Experienced lawyers recognize that legal precedents are often unreliable predictors, yet they are abundant and still used for guidance.
In simple terms: Precedents are plentiful but imperfect guides for cases.
Key Takeaway
Use precedents wisely, aware of limits.
Themes
law
prediction
uncertainty
experience
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
legal
practical
When to use this quote
- courtroom strategy
- policy drafting
- academic study
Key Concepts
legal theory
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess precedent strength?
- When should you deviate from precedent?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on weak precedents can lead to poor outcomes.
