Asks Quote by Samuel Johnson
“A lawyer has no business with the justice or injustice of the cause which he undertakes, unless his client asks his opinion, and then he is bound to give it honestly. The justice or injustice of the cause is to be decided by the judge.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Lawyer's Role, 1760
Lawyers must remain neutral, offering honest advice only when asked, leaving moral judgments to judges.
In simple terms: Lawyers give facts, not moral verdicts.
Key Takeaway
Provide honest counsel, defer moral judgment.
Themes
legal ethics
neutrality
professionalism
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
balanced
Type
ethical
professional
When to use this quote
- courtroom
- client meetings
- legal education
Key Concepts
law
morality
judicial authority
Questions to Reflect On
- Should lawyers ever challenge unjust laws?
- How to handle client requests that conflict with personal ethics?
A Different Perspective
Rigid neutrality may ignore lawyer's moral responsibility.
