Doe Quote by William J. Brennan
“The law is not an end in itself, nor does it provide ends. It is preeminently a means to serve what we think is right.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Supreme Court Opinion, United States v. United States, 1972
Law should be a tool for justice, not a goal in itself; it exists to implement our moral judgments.
In simple terms: Law is a means to achieve right outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Use law to serve ethical ends.
Themes
justice
ethics
law
public policy
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- court rulings
- policy advocacy
- civil rights litigation
Key Concepts
Legal philosophy
instrumentalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure laws reflect evolving moral standards?
- What safeguards prevent law from becoming an end itself?
A Different Perspective
Law alone cannot guarantee moral outcomes without societal consensus.
