---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is not our job to apply laws that have…"
description: "\"It is not our job to apply laws that have not yet been written.\" — John Paul Stevens"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/de0/john-paul-stevens-12128_apply_it-is-not-our-job-to-apply-laws-that-hav_261515.jpg"
---

#  It is not our job to apply laws that have not yet been…

![“It is not our job to apply laws that have not yet been written.” quote by John Paul Stevens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/de0/john-paul-stevens-12128_apply_it-is-not-our-job-to-apply-laws-that-hav_261515.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/de0/john-paul-stevens-12128_apply_it-is-not-our-job-to-apply-laws-that-hav_261515.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/de0/john-paul-stevens-12128_apply_it-is-not-our-job-to-apply-laws-that-hav_261515.jpg)

> “It is not our job to apply laws that have not yet been written.”

[John Paul Stevens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-paul-stevens/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Judges should not enforce laws that have not yet been enacted, preserving legislative authority.

**In simple terms:** Do not apply unwritten laws.

Key Takeaway

Respect legislative process.

Themes

law judiciary separation of powers legitimacy

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

legal philosophical

When to use this quote

- court decisions
- policy debates
- legislative drafting

Key Concepts

Rule of law judicial restraint constitutionalism

Questions to Reflect On

- When should courts interpret gaps in law?
- How to balance flexibility and overreach?

A Different Perspective

Rigid adherence can hinder justice in emergencies.

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