Justice Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes
![“[I]t is revolting to have no better reason for a rule of law than that it was laid down in the time of Henry IV. It is still more revolting if the grounds upon which it was laid down have vanished long since, and the rule simply persists through blind imitation of the past.” quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8c6/oliver-wendell-holmes-12756_justice_i-t-is-revolting-to-have-no-better-reaso_2529968.jpg)
“[I]t is revolting to have no better reason for a rule of law than that it was laid down in the time of Henry IV. It is still more revolting if the grounds upon which it was laid down have vanished long since, and the rule simply persists through blind imitation of the past.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Path of the Law", 1897
Laws should be based on rational, contemporary reasons, not merely on outdated tradition.
In simple terms: Laws need current, logical foundations.
Key Takeaway
Update laws to reflect present reality.
Themes
law
tradition
rationalism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative reform
- judicial review
- policy updating
Key Concepts
legal philosophy
historical analysis
social progress
Questions to Reflect On
- Which laws feel outdated today?
- How can we balance tradition with progress?
A Different Perspective
Blindly following tradition can hinder justice.
![“We have introduced a rule of law. That never existed for centuries in this country [South Africa], especially under the apartheid regime, when the law was reduced into disrepute.” quote by Nelson Mandela](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/77f/nelson-mandela-248_apartheid_we-have-introduced-a-rule-of-law-that-ne_284133.jpg)
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
