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Cases Quote by Michael Foot

“It does so happen to be the case that if the freedom of the people of this country - and especially the rights of trade unionists - if those precious things in the past had been left to the good sense and fairmindedness of judges, we would have precious few freedoms in this country.” quote by Michael Foot
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“It does so happen to be the case that if the freedom of the people of this country - and especially the rights of trade unionists - if those precious things in the past had been left to the good sense and fairmindedness of judges, we would have precious few freedoms in this country.”

Michael Foot

About This Quote

Source Speech: House of Commons Debate, 1975

If judges alone decided freedoms, we would have far fewer rights today.

In simple terms: Judicial restraint protects freedoms.

Key Takeaway

Support democratic oversight.

Themes

politics freedom judiciary

Mood

serious concerned

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • legislative reform
  • public protest
  • legal education
  • policy analysis

Key Concepts

rule of law civil rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we ensure judges respect freedoms?
  • What role should citizens play?
A Different Perspective

Balancing judicial independence and democratic control is complex.

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