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Court Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr

“This is a court of law, not a court of justice.” quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr
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“This is a court of law, not a court of justice.”

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr

About This Quote

Source Supreme Court opinion, 1886

Legal rulings must follow law, not personal notions of justice.

In simple terms: Law vs. justice distinction.

Key Takeaway

Uphold legal standards.

Themes

law justice judiciary

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical advisory

When to use this quote

  • court decisions
  • legislative drafting
  • public policy

Key Concepts

legal formalism rule of law

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should judges consider equity?
  • Can law evolve with societal values?
A Different Perspective

Rigid law may ignore moral nuance.

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