Skip to content

Absolute Quote by John Marshall

“When a law is in its nature a contract, when absolute rights have vested under that contract, a repeal of the law cannot divest those rights.” quote by John Marshall
Download Open image
“When a law is in its nature a contract, when absolute rights have vested under that contract, a repeal of the law cannot divest those rights.”

John Marshall

About This Quote

Source Speech: Marshall Court Opinion, 1819

Legal rights that arise from contracts are protected permanently; a later repeal cannot strip those vested rights.

In simple terms: Contractual rights are secure even if the law changes later.

Key Takeaway

Respect and uphold contractual rights despite legislative shifts.

Themes

law contracts rights legal stability

Mood

serious thoughtful

Type

legal philosophical

When to use this quote

  • business agreements
  • property transactions
  • employment contracts
  • government regulation

Key Concepts

constitutional law property rights jurisprudence

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should there be exceptions for public interest?
  • How to balance stability with flexibility?
A Different Perspective

If contracts are too rigid, they may hinder necessary reforms.

4.8 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by John Marshall

Explore all 57 John Marshall quotes

More Absolute quotes

Browse all 631 Absolute quotes