Circumstances Quote by Thomas Jefferson
![“[T]he true key for the construction of everything doubtful in a law is the intention of the law-makers. This is most safely gathered from the words, but may be sought also in extraneous circumstances provided they do not contradict the express words of the law.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0dd/thomas-jefferson-43_circumstances_t-he-true-key-for-the-construction-of-ev_2208761.jpg)
“[T]he true key for the construction of everything doubtful in a law is the intention of the law-makers. This is most safely gathered from the words, but may be sought also in extraneous circumstances provided they do not contradict the express words of the law.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1802 to James Madison
The law’s intent matters more than literal wording; context helps interpret ambiguous statutes.
In simple terms: Intent of law guides interpretation.
Key Takeaway
Seek lawmakers’ purpose when laws are unclear.
Themes
law
interpretation
intent
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal drafting
- court rulings
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
statutory construction
legislative purpose
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you determine true legislative intent?
- When should courts prioritize text over intent?
A Different Perspective
Intent may be inferred incorrectly, leading to misuse.
![“But, you may ask, if the two departments [i.e., federal and state] should claim each the same subject of power, where is the common umpire to decide ultimately between them? In cases of little importance or urgency, the prudence of both parties will keep them aloof from the questionable ground…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d33/thomas-jefferson-43_aloof_but-you-may-ask-if-the-two-departments-i_1638614.jpg)
![“The Constitution on which our Union rests, shall be administered by me [as President] according to the safe and honest meaning contemplated by the plain understanding of the people of the United States at the time of its adoption - a meaning to be found in the explanations of those who advocated…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/759/thomas-jefferson-43_adoption_the-constitution-on-which-our-union-rest_929558.jpg)
![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
