Attempt Quote by Potter Stewart
“I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material but I know it when I see it.”
About This Quote
Source Court Opinion: “Kelley v. United States” (1967)
He admits difficulty defining material, but asserts recognition when encountered.
In simple terms: Know it when you see it.
Key Takeaway
Trust intuition for ambiguous judgments.
Themes
law
intuition
judgment
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- policy making
- ethical dilemmas
- art appraisal
Key Concepts
Legal standards
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we improve definition clarity?
- When is intuition insufficient?
A Different Perspective
Subjectivity can lead to inconsistency.
![“For when everything is classified, then nothing is classified, and the system becomes one to be disregarded by the cynical or the careless, and to be manipulated by those intent on self-protection or self-promotion." [ New York Times Co. v. United States , 403 U.S. 713 (1971) (concurring)]” quote by Potter Stewart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e80/potter-stewart-22133_freedom_for-when-everything-is-classified-then-n_1634570.jpg)
