Ability Quote by Sam Brownback
“Narrow scope of judicial power was the reason that people accepted the idea that the federal courts could have the power of judicial review; that is, the ability to decide whether a challenged law comports with the Constitution.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional hearing on judicial power, 2010
Judicial review stems from limited court authority, shaping constitutional checks.
In simple terms: Limited courts enable checks.
Key Takeaway
Understand judicial review’s origins.
Themes
law
government
constitution
checks and balances
Mood
analytical
educational
Type
political
academic
When to use this quote
- law school
- policy analysis
- civic education
Key Concepts
Political science
constitutional law
judicial theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is judicial review essential?
- How does limited power affect court legitimacy?
A Different Perspective
Complexity can obscure public understanding of judicial power.
![“[T]he opinion which gives to the judges the right to decide what laws are constitutional and what not, not only for themselves, in their, own sphere of action, but for the Legislature and Executive also in their spheres, would make the Judiciary a despotic branch.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cfa/thomas-jefferson-43_action_t-he-opinion-which-gives-to-the-judges-t_2055401.jpg)
![“Much of the Constitution is remarkably simple and straightforward - certainly as compared to the convoluted reasoning of judges and law professors discussing what is called 'Constitutional law,' much of which has no basis in that document…The real question [for judicial nominees] is whether that…” quote by Thomas Sowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e50/thomas-sowell-247_bases_much-of-the-constitution-is-remarkably-s_1981815.jpg)
