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Constitution Quote by Thomas Hardiman

“Our role as judges is to interpret the law.” quote by Thomas Hardiman
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“Our role as judges is to interpret the law.”

Thomas Hardiman

About This Quote

Source Court opinion, United States District Court, 2015

Judges' role is to apply and explain legal statutes, not to create law.

In simple terms: Judges interpret law.

Key Takeaway

Focus on statutory interpretation.

Themes

law judiciary interpretation

Mood

analytical formal

Type

jurisprudential educational

When to use this quote

  • civil litigation
  • criminal trials
  • administrative hearings

Key Concepts

constitutional law judicial restraint precedent

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should judges consider policy outcomes?
  • How to balance fidelity to text with fairness?
A Different Perspective

Strict interpretation may ignore evolving societal values.

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