Bases Quote by Thomas Sowell
![“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)
“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 nominee will follow the law or succumb to the lure of 'a living constitution,' 'evolving standards' and other lofty words meaning judicial power to reshape the law to suit their own personal preferences.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Basic Economics, 2000
Constitutional law is often overcomplicated by judges, who may prioritize personal agendas over the text.
In simple terms: Judges can distort law with personal views.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize textual fidelity.
Themes
law
judiciary
constitution
politics
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- court nominations
- law school debates
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
originalism
judicial activism
interpretation
legal philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Should judges strictly follow the text?
- What role should evolving societal values play?
A Different Perspective
Legal texts are ambiguous, allowing legitimate interpretive differences.
![“We must use a judicial, rather than a political, standard to evaluate [a nominee's] fitness for the Supreme Court. That standard must be based on the fundamental principle that judges interpret and apply but do not make law.” quote by Orrin Hatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d8b/orrin-hatch-8786_court_we-must-use-a-judicial-rather-than-a-pol_2567435.jpg)
