[T]hough individual oppression may now and then proceed fro the courts of justice, the general liberty of the people can never be endangered from that quarter . . .
Interpretation
The quote suggests that while individual injustices may occur within the legal system, the overall freedom of the populace remains secure.
In this quote, Alexander Hamilton emphasizes that despite occasional instances of individual oppression within the judiciary, these do not pose a significant threat to the broader liberty enjoyed by the people. He asserts that the courts, while important, are not powerful enough to undermine the collective freedom of the citizenry, suggesting a belief in the resilience of societal liberty against individual judicial errors.
In practice
In a discussion on civil rights, this quote can be used to highlight the resilience of the people's freedoms despite systemic failures.
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 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.
It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.
The Achaeans soon experienced, as often happens, that a victorious and powerful ally is but another name for a master.
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.
Unhappy, let alone angry, religious people provide more persuasive arguments for atheism and secularism than do all the arguments of atheists.
I donβt believe in extraordinary concatenations of coincidence.
Truth is, I've always been selling out. The difference is that in the past, I looked like I had integrity because there were no buyers.
Sometimes one feels that it would be merciful to tear down these houses, for they must often dream.
Before me, even as behind, God is, and all is well.
Detainees were not allowed to talk to each other, but we enjoyed looking at each other. The punishment for talking was hanging the detainee by his hands with the feet barely touching the ground.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.