Skip to content

Doe Quote by John Paul Stevens

“When the commission finds that a pig has entered the parlor, the exercise of its regulatory power does not depend on proof that the pig is obscene.” quote by John Paul Stevens
Download Open image
“When the commission finds that a pig has entered the parlor, the exercise of its regulatory power does not depend on proof that the pig is obscene.”

John Paul Stevens

About This Quote

Regulatory authority can act on a premise even without definitive proof of wrongdoing, emphasizing precaution over certainty.

In simple terms: Regulators may act without full proof.

Key Takeaway

Precautionary regulation overrides evidentiary burden.

Themes

law regulation precaution

Mood

critical cautious

Type

legal commentary policy critique

When to use this quote

  • food safety inspections
  • financial market oversight
  • public health emergencies

Key Concepts

administrative discretion risk management

Practical Applications

  • Implement risk‑based compliance checks
  • Adopt early‑warning monitoring systems

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should regulators require proof before acting?
  • How can balance be struck between precaution and liberty?
A Different Perspective

May lead to over‑regulation and stifle innovation if applied indiscriminately.

3.8 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by John Paul Stevens

Explore all 56 John Paul Stevens quotes

More Doe quotes

Browse all 25,575 Doe quotes