William O. Douglas Quotes

At the constitutional level where we work, 90 percent of any decision is emotional. The rational part of us supplies the reasons for supporting our predilections.

As nightfall does not come at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there is a twilight when everything remains seemingly unchanged, and it is in such a twilight that we all must be most aware of change in the air - however slight - lest we become unwitting victims of darkness.

The right to be let alone is indeed the beginning ... -William O. Douglas

The right to be let alone is indeed the beginning of all freedoms.

One who comes to the Court must come to adore, not to protest. That's the new gloss on the 1st Amendment.

Tell the FBI that the kidnappers should pick out a... -William O. Douglas

Tell the FBI that the kidnappers should pick out a judge that Nixon wants back.

Discovering the context

This quote references an alleged statement made by President Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal, instructing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to arrange a situation that would favor Nixon's judicial appointments. It implies a controversial and politically charged context related to Nixon's administration and the Watergate affair.

Marriage is a coming together for better or for worse, hopefully enduring, and intimate to the degree of being sacred.

We are a religious people whose institutions presu... -William O. Douglas

We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being.

We do not sit as a superlegislature to weigh the w... -William O. Douglas

We do not sit as a superlegislature to weigh the wisdom of legislation.

Common sense often makes good law.

Discovering the context

This quote suggests that laws or regulations that are based on common sense tend to be effective and beneficial. It implies that when laws align with rational and logical thinking, they are more likely to serve the common good and be well-received by society.

Free speech is not to be regulated like diseased cattle and impure butter. The audience that hissed yesterday may applaud today, even for the same performance.

William O. Douglas Quotes

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