Constitution Quote by John Paul Stevens
“During my years as a practicing lawyer, it just was part of your study of what Congress was trying to say in their statutes. I never really considered judges or scholars as either those who used legislative history or those who were opposed to it until after I got on the court.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Oral Argument, United States Supreme Court, 2008
He realized that judges use legislative history as a tool, not just scholars, after becoming a judge.
In simple terms: Judges apply legislative history after joining the bench.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the shift in perspective when moving from practice to judging.
Themes
law
judicial reasoning
legislative history
career transition
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
legal
interpretive
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- law school teaching
- policy analysis
- legal research
Key Concepts
statutory interpretation
judicial philosophy
legal methodology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a judge’s background affect their use of legislative history?
- What are the risks of over‑reliance on legislative intent?
A Different Perspective
Judicial reliance on legislative history can be limited by incomplete records.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
