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Learned Hand

Learned Hand Quotes

Judge

Learned Hand was an influential American judge known for his eloquent and thoughtful opinions. He served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1909 until his death in 1961. Hand's legal reasoning and his commitment to the rule of law have had a lasting impact on American jurisprudence.

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Famous Learned Hand Quotes

“When I say that a thing is true, I mean that I cannot help believing it... But...I do not venture to assume that my inabilities in the way of thought are inabilities of the universe. I therefore define truth as the system of my limitations, and leave absolute truth for those who are better equipped.”

Way Believe Mean Helping Universe Absolutes Assuming Limitation Venture Inability Absolute Truth

Author:Learned Hand

“There is no surer way to misread any document than to read it literally. As nearly as we can, we must put ourselves in the place of those who uttered the words, and try to divine how they would have dealt with the unforeseen situation; and, although their words are by far the most decisive evidence of what they would have done, they are by no means final.”

Way Trying Mean Done Situation Divine Evidence Finals Documents Unforeseen

Author:Learned Hand

“I shall ask no more than that you agree with Dean Inge that even though counting heads is not an ideal way to govern, at least it is better than breaking them.”

Way Asks Ideals Agree Agreement Counting Dean

Book:The Spirit of Liberty: Papers and Addresses

Source: The Spirit of Liberty: Papers and Addresses

“There is no surer way to misread any document than to read it literally.”

Way Inspirational Documents

Author:Learned Hand

“The public official must pick his way nicely, must learn to placate though not to yield too much, to have the art of honeyed words but not to seem neutral, and above all to keep constantly audible, visible, likable, even kissable.”

Way Art Seems Too Much Picks Officials Visible Yield Public Officials

Author:Learned Hand

About the Author

Born: January 27, 1872
Died: August 18, 1961
Known for: Judge
Quotes: 95

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Books & Sources

The Spirit of Liberty: Papers and AddressesRelated source material

The art and craft of judging: the decisions of Judge Learned HandRelated source material

A fanfare for PrometheusRelated source material

The Supreme Court: an NBC radio discussionRelated source material

LibertyRelated source material

Spirit of LibertyRelated source material

The Supreme Court as legislator: the contribution of an independent judiciary to civilization : an addressRelated source material

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