Activist Quote by Robert Bork
“Conservatives . . . may decide to join the game and seek activist judges with conservative views. Should that come to pass, those who have tempted the courts to political judging will have gained nothing for themselves but will have destroyed a great and essential institution. . . . There are only two sides. Either the Constitution and statutes are law, which means their principles are known and control judges, or they are malleable texts that judges may rewrite to see that particular groups or political causes win.”
About This Quote
The author warns that politicizing the judiciary threatens constitutional stability, arguing that judges must apply law rather than reshape it for partisan goals.
In simple terms: Politicizing courts harms law and stability.
Key Takeaway
Keep courts impartial and bound by law.
Themes
judicial independence
constitutionalism
political neutrality
rule of law
Mood
cautious
critical
concerned
Type
legal
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- law reform debates
- political campaigns
- court appointments
- public policy discussions
- academic analysis
Key Concepts
separation of powers
legal theory
institutional integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can judges balance law with evolving society?
- What safeguards protect judicial impartiality?
A Different Perspective
The view may simplify complex legal interpretation needed for justice.
![“[The current governing judicial philosophy is:] If you want something passionately enough, it is guaranteed by the Constitution. No need to fiddle around gathering votes from recalcitrant citizens.” quote by Robert Bork](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56e/robert-bork-16437_citizens_the-current-governing-judicial-philosoph_129141.jpg)
![“When a judge goes beyond [his proper function] and reads entirely new values into the Constitution, values the framers and ratifiers did not put there, he deprives the people of their liberty. That liberty, which the Constitution clearly envisions, is the liberty of the people to set their own…” quote by Robert Bork](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/077/robert-bork-16437_agendas_when-a-judge-goes-beyond-his-proper-func_625664.jpg)
![“Some kinds of activists are more willing to try stuff out, see if works and think on their feet, but some of the people who are working on [change] find that very difficult: They've been schooled into thinking you have to come up with the perfect plan in advance. It has become a bit technocratic.” quote by Duncan Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d17/duncan-green-20105_activist_some-kinds-of-activists-are-more-willing_57391.jpg)
