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Agree Quote by William J. Brennan

“No doubt, there are those who believe that judges-and particularly dissenting judges-write to hear themselves say, as it were, I I I. And no doubt, there are also those who believe that judges are, like Joan Didion, primarily engaged in the writing of fiction. I cannot agree with either of those…” quote by William J. Brennan
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“No doubt, there are those who believe that judges-and particularly dissenting judges-write to hear themselves say, as it were, I I I. And no doubt, there are also those who believe that judges are, like Joan Didion, primarily engaged in the writing of fiction. I cannot agree with either of those propositions.”

William J. Brennan

About This Quote

The author rejects two stereotypes about judges: that they are self‑indulgent or that they write fiction, asserting a more nuanced view of judicial work.

In simple terms: Judges are neither self‑absorbed nor fictional writers; they have a serious role.

Key Takeaway

Respect the complexity of judicial responsibilities.

Themes

law judiciary stereotypes professionalism

Mood

critical analytical

Type

legal institutional

When to use this quote

  • courtroom decisions
  • legal education
  • policy reform
  • public perception of law

Key Concepts

legal theory ethics institutional analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities do judges hold beyond legal interpretation?
  • How can the public better understand judicial work?
A Different Perspective

Judges may also be influenced by personal biases despite professionalism.

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