Motivational Quotes by Joseph Story

Joseph Story was an important figure in American legal history, serving on the Supreme Court of the United States from 1811 to 1845. He is known for his detailed commentaries on the U.S. Constitution and for shaping early American legal thought. Story believed in the power of the law to guide the nation, often emphasizing the importance of the Constitution in maintaining order and justice.

One of his famous quotes is, “The Constitution of the United States is a law for rulers and people, equally in war and in peace.” This statement highlights his view that the Constitution should always be followed, no matter the circumstances. Story also said, “The life of the law has not been logic; it has been experience.” With this, he meant that laws are shaped by society’s experiences and needs over time, rather than just by logical reasoning. His contributions and thoughts remain influential in the field of law, illustrating his belief in the enduring power of the Constitution and the evolving nature of legal systems.

Quotes by Joseph Story

Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded, because they flatter the people, in order to betray them.

The constitution of the United States is to receive a reasonable interpretation of its language, and its powers, keeping in view the objects and purposes, for which those powers were conferred. By a reasonable interpretation, we mean, that in case the words are susceptible of two different senses, the one strict, the other more enlarged, that should be adopted, which is most consonant with the apparent objects and intent of the Constitution.