A good government implies two things; first, fidelity to the objects of the government; secondly, a knowledge of the means, by which those objects can be best attained.
Joseph StoryRead
I will not say with Lord Hale, that "The Law will admit of no rival" . . . but I will say that it is a jealous mistress, and requires a long and constant courtship. It is not to be won by trifling favors, but by lavish homage.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The law demands respect and dedication, much like a jealous lover requiring commitment.
In this quote, Joseph Story uses the metaphor of the law as a jealous mistress to illustrate that the legal system is not easily appeased or won over. It requires a significant and ongoing effort—akin to a courtship—showing that true understanding and mastery of the law comes from deep, consistent engagement rather than superficial gestures. This highlights the seriousness and complexity involved in legal studies and practice.
Themes
LawCommitmentRespectDedicationLegal System
In practice
Example use cases
A law professor might use this quote to emphasize the dedication required in legal studies.
More from Joseph Story
All quotes →Temporary delusions, prejudices, excitements, and objects have irresistible influence in mere questions of policy. And the policy of one age may ill suit the wishes or the policy of another. The constitution is not subject to such fluctuations. It is to have a fixed, uniform, permanent construction. It should be, so far at least as human infirmity will allow, not dependent upon the passions or parties of particular times, but the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.
Joseph StoryRead
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.
Joseph StoryRead
The state governments have a full superintendence and control over the immense mass of local interests of their respective states, which connect themselves with the feelings, the affections, the municipal institutions, and the internal arrangements of the whole population. They possess, too, the immediate administration of justice in all cases, civil and criminal, which concern the property, personal rights, and peaceful pursuits of their own citizens.
Joseph StoryRead
How much more do they deserve our reverence and praise, whose lives are devoted to the formation of institutions, which, when they and their children are mingled in the common dust, may continue to cherish the principles and the practice of liberty in perpetual freshness and vigour.
Joseph StoryRead
A feeble executive implies a feeble execution of the government.
Joseph StoryRead
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