WIST Quotations

Bierce, Ambrose -- “Precedent,” The Devil’s Dictionary (1911)

Dave — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 20:26:42 +0000

PRECEDENT, n. In Law, a previous decision, rule or practice which, in the absence of a definite statute, has whatever force and authority a Judge may choose to give it, thereby greatly simplifying his task of doing as he pleases. As there are precedents for everything, he has only to ignore those that make against his interest and accentuate those in the line of his desire.

Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914?) American writer and journalist
“Precedent,” The Devil’s Dictionary (1911)

Originally published in the "Cynic's Word Book" column in the New York American (1906-04-06), and the "Cynic's Dictionary" column in the San Francisco Examiner (1906-04-11).

Black, Hugo -- Turner v. United States, 396 U.S. 398, 426 (1970) [dissenting]

Dave — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 14:36:51 +0000

Our Constitution was not written in the sands to be washed away by each wave of new judges blown in by each successive political wind that brings new political administrations into temporary power.

Hugo Black (1886–1971) American politician and jurist; US Supreme Court Justice (1937–71)
Turner v. United States, 396 U.S. 398, 426 (1970) [dissenting]

Holmes, Oliver Wendell, Jr. -- Speech (1897-01-18), “The Path of the Law,” Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts

Dave — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 12:11:00 +0000

It is revolting to have no better reason for a rule of law than that so it was laid down in the time of Henry IV.

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (1841–1935) American jurist, Supreme Court Justice
Speech (1897-01-18), “The Path of the Law,” Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts