The Constitution was framed upon the theory that the peoples of the several states must sink or swim together, and that in the long run prosperity and salvation are in union and not division.
Benjamin CardozoRead
Justice is not to be taken by storm. She is to be wooed by slow advances.
Interpretation
Justice requires patience and gradual efforts rather than forceful or quick actions.
This quote suggests that achieving justice is a deliberate and gradual process. It emphasizes the need for careful and respectful engagement in the pursuit of justice, implying that meaningful change is often the result of consistent and thoughtful advances rather than impulsive actions or aggression.
In practice
Using this quote in a speech about social reform can highlight the importance of perseverance in advocacy.
The Constitution was framed upon the theory that the peoples of the several states must sink or swim together, and that in the long run prosperity and salvation are in union and not division.
In the end the great truth will have been learned that the quest is greater than what is sought, the effort finer that the prize (or rather, that the effort is the prize), the victory cheap and hollow were it not for the rigor of the game.
Not honesty alone, but the punctilio of an honor the most sensitive, is then the standard of behavior.
The great ideals of liberty and equality are preserved against the assaults of opportunism, the expediency of the passing hour, the erosion of small encroachments, the scorn and derision of those who have no patience with general principles.
Justice for crimes against humanity must have no limitations.
Circumstances of crimes vary. So do motives. And so do prospects for rehabilitation. The number of imponderables makes it impossible to sentence by formula and still sentence justly.
Wrongful convictions happen every week in every state in this country. And they happen for all the same reasons. Sloppy police work. Eyewitness identification is the most - is the worst type almost. Because it's wrong about half the time. Think about that.
I cannot see any of these death penalty cases where there hasn't been a violation on the ground of either poverty or race. If we can ever get that straightened out, it will help. But, of course, the real answer to it is to do away with the death penalty.
Swift justice demands more than just swiftness.
Promoting active liberty does not mean allowing the majority to run roughshod over minorities. It calls for taking special care that all groups have a chance to fully participate in society and the political process.
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