Constitution Quote by Robert Bork
“Those who made and endorsed our Constitution knew man's nature, and it is to their ideas, rather than to the temptations of utopia, that we must ask that our judges adhere.”
About This Quote
The quote argues that constitutional judges should be guided by realistic understandings of human behavior rather than idealistic visions.
In simple terms: Prioritize pragmatic human nature over utopian ideals in jurisprudence.
Key Takeaway
Judge decisions must reflect realistic human tendencies.
Themes
political philosophy
legal theory
human nature
judicial restraint
constitutionalism
pragmatism
Mood
thoughtful
critical
analytical
Type
aphilosophical
political
legal
When to use this quote
- court rulings
- legislative drafting
- constitutional debates
- law school curricula
- public policy analysis
Key Concepts
judicial interpretation
constitutional design
human behavior
utopianism
Practical Applications
- guiding judicial training
- informing constitutional amendment proposals
Questions to Reflect On
- How does human nature influence legal outcomes?
- What risks arise from applying utopian ideals to law?
![“[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)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
