Political Quotes

On the record
When submitted to the Supreme Court, it is for their “opinion.” Without occupying time with refinements, I content myself with asserting that the judgment of the Court must be matter of opinion.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner reflects on the nature of Supreme Court judgments as expressions of opinion rather than absolute facts.

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They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.

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The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.

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Endeavor, for a moment, by comparison with other interests, to grapple with this sum.

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