Tag Archives: Law

First Principles: The Duty of Judges Is to Interpret and Apply Law and Not To Create Law

“Every prudent and cautious judge … will remember, that his duty and his business is, not to make the law, but to interpret and apply it.” – James Wilson (1742-1798)      

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First Principles: The Constitution Is the Standard For Construction of Law

“The Constitution ought to be the standard of construction for the laws, and that wherever there is an evident opposition, the laws ought to give place to the Constitution.” – Alexander Hamilton (1788)    

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First Principles: A Judge, Particularly A Supreme Court Justice, Should Be of Particular Merit, Character and Ability

“Judges, therefore, should be always men of learning and experience in the laws, of exemplary morals, great patience, calmness, coolness, and attention. Their minds should not be distracted with jarring interests; they should not be dependent upon any man, or … Continue reading

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First Principles: Careful Discussion of Proposed Legislation Is the Proper Way To Legislate

“In planning, forming, and arranging laws, deliberation is always becoming, and always useful.” – James Wilson (1791)          

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Thought For the Day: The Role of the Prosecutor Is To Vindicate the Rights of the People and Give A Fair Trial

“The function of the prosecutor under the federal Constitution is not to tack as many skins of victims as possible against the wall. His function is to vindicate the rights of the people as expressed in the laws and give … Continue reading

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First Principles: A Law Must Have Universal Operation On All Members of A Community To Preserve Liberty

“Where there is no law, there is no liberty; and nothing deserves the name of law but that which is certain and universal in its operation upon all the members of the community.” – Benjamin Rush (1788)       … Continue reading

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First Principles: Without Law, Liberty Becomes Licentiousness

“Without law, liberty … loses its nature and its name, and becomes licentiousness.” – James Wilson (1790)      

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First Principles: The Fairest Fruit of Liberty Are the Security of the Rule of Law and Our Rights

What is the fairest fruit of the English Tree of Liberty? The security of our rights and of the law, and that no man shall be brought to trial where there is a prejudice against him. – Thomas Erskine (1750-1823) … Continue reading

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First Principles: Some Assimilation of Culture, Law and Tradition Is Required To Remain One People

“The policy or advantage of [immigration] taking place in a body may be much questioned; for, by so doing, they retain the Language, habits and principles which they bring with them. Whereas by an intermixture with our people, they, or … Continue reading

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Knowing The Law of the Lord

Knowing the Law of the Lord by Michael Romani The Law of our blessed Lord In all of its purity and perfection Cuts through like a sword In its blessed direction Making even a fool seem wise By opening a … Continue reading

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