"The power of the state to impose restraints and burdens upon persons and property in conservation and promotion of the public health, good order, and prosperity is a power originally and always belonging to the states, not surrendered to them by the general government, nor directly restrained by the constitution of the United States, and essentially exclusive."
About Melville Fuller
Melville Fuller — Life and Legacy
Melville Fuller served as the Chief Justice of the United States from 1888 to 1910, a period marked by significant legal and social transformations. His leadership in the Supreme Court was characterized by a commitment to justice and a nuanced understanding of law's role in society. Fuller famously stated, 'Justice is the constant and perpetual will to render to everyone his due,' which encapsulates his belief in the fundamental importance of fairness in the legal system. This perspective reflects his broader philosophy that law is not just a set of rules but a living framework that must adapt to the complexities of human experience. Fuller’s approach often challenged prevailing legal norms, advocating for interpretations that considered the spirit of the law rather than strict adherence to its letter. He believed that 'The law is not a mere matter of words,' emphasizing the necessity of context and moral reasoning in judicial decisions. His insights reveal a deep understanding of the interplay between law and ethics, arguing that a legal system devoid of moral considerations fails to achieve true justice. Today, Fuller’s quotes and ideas continue to resonate, reminding us of the importance of integrity and empathy in the pursuit of justice. His legacy as a jurist who valued the human element in law remains relevant in contemporary discussions about legal interpretation and the role of the judiciary in society.
Quote collection
Melville Fuller quotes
6 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"The Emancipation Proclamation is predicated upon the idea that the President may so annul the constitutions and laws of sovereign states, overthrow their domestic relations, deprive loyal men of their property, and disloyal as well, without trial or condemnation."
"To hold that Congress has general police power would be to hold that it may accomplish objects not intrusted to the general government, and to defeat the operation of the 10th Amendment, declaring that 'the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."
"The framers of the constitution employed words in their natural sense; and, where they are plain and clear, resort to collateral aids to interpretation is unnecessary, and cannot be indulged in to narrow or enlarge the text; but where there is ambiguity or doubt, or where two views may well be entertained, contemporaneous and subsequent practical construction is entitled to the greatest weight."
"I have nine children... and one of them is an invalid. Her mother is obliged to take her away in the winter, and when one bird is off the nest, the other has to go on."
"Without continuity, men would become like flies in summer."