Constitution Quote by Thurgood Marshall
“Deciding not to decide is, of course, among the most important things done by the Supreme Court. It takes a lot of doing, but it can be done.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Judicial Restraint, 1965
Avoiding decisions can be a powerful judicial tool, preserving flexibility and preventing overreach.
In simple terms: Choosing not to decide can be strategic.
Key Takeaway
Consider restraint when appropriate.
Themes
judicial restraint
strategy
decisionmaking
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative deadlock
- constitutional crises
- policy debates
Key Concepts
legal theory
court dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When is silence more responsible than ruling?
- How does restraint affect public trust?
A Different Perspective
Overuse may lead to neglect of duty.
![“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)
