Amendments Quote by Robert H. Jackson
“Of course, such judicial misconstruction theoretically can be cured by constitutional amendment. But the period of gestation of a constitutional amendment, or of any law reform, is reckoned in decades usually; in years, at least. And, after all, as the Court itself asserted in overruling the minimum-wage cases, it may not be the Constitution that was at fault.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Judicial Commentary, United States, 1960s
Constitutional changes are slow, often taking decades, and courts may not be the cause of systemic issues.
In simple terms: Changing laws takes a long time and courts aren't always to blame.
Key Takeaway
Patience and persistence are needed for reform.
Themes
law
government
patience
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
political
legal
When to use this quote
- civil rights legislation
- environmental regulation
- healthcare reform
Key Concepts
constitutional amendment
judicial review
policy change
Questions to Reflect On
- What realistic steps can accelerate reform?
- How can citizens influence long‑term legal change?
A Different Perspective
Amendments can be blocked by political forces; courts have limited power.
