When men, engaged in unjustifiable pursuits, are aware that obstructions may come from a quarter which bare apprehension of opposition from doing what they would with eagerness rush into if no such external impediments were to be feared.
The reasonableness of the agency of the national courts in cases in which the state tribunals cannot be supposed to be impartial, speaks for itself. No man ought certainly to be a judge in his own cause, or in any cause in respect to which he has the least interest or bias.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of impartiality in justice, arguing that individuals cannot fairly judge cases where they have a personal stake.
In this quote, Alexander Hamilton discusses the critical role of impartiality in judicial proceedings. He asserts that when state courts cannot operate fairly, national courts must step in, as it is fundamentally unjust for individuals to be judges in cases where they hold any interest or bias. This highlights a cornerstone of fair trial principles, where judges must be free from any conflict of interest to uphold justice.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on judicial fairness, this quote can illustrate the necessity for impartial judges.
More from Alexander Hamilton
All quotes →The tendency of a national bank is to increase public and private credit. The former gives power to the state, for the protection of its rights and interests: and the latter facilitates and extends the operations of commerce among individuals. Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state.
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The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
The true principle of a republic is that the people should choose whom they please to govern them. Representation is imperfect, in proportion as the current of popular favor is checked. The great source of free government, popular election, should be perfectly pure, and the most unbounded liberty allowed.
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