Constitution Quote by Thomas Hardiman
“I think any good judge recognizes his or her place in our constitutional government, and that place is not to upset the will of the people as expressed through their elected representatives.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Judicial philosophy, 2018 US Senate hearing
Judges should respect democratic choices and not override elected will.
In simple terms: Judges must not overrule voters' decisions.
Key Takeaway
Respect democratic limits.
Themes
law
judiciary
democracy
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
legal
ethical
When to use this quote
- court rulings
- legislative intent
- public policy
Key Concepts
separation of powers
constitutional restraint
Questions to Reflect On
- When should judges intervene?
- How to balance rights and majority will?
A Different Perspective
Judges sometimes must protect minority rights against majority will.
![“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)
