John Holt

Libelling against a private man is a moral offence; but when it is against a government, it tends to the destruction of it.

To excuse himself from damage, must say, was ready always and at all times.

We ought, as far as we can by law, to support the government of all societies and corporations, especially this of the city of London; and if the mayor and aldermen should not have power to punish offenders in a summary way, then farewell …

It is expected you should do your best for those you are assigned for, as it is expected in any other case, that you do your duty for your client.

No counsel in the world that understand themselves, can argue anything against what has been often settled and always practised.

We cannot alter the law, we are bound by our oaths to proceed according to the law as it is at present.

We cannot make a law, we must go according to the law. That must be our rule and direction.

I am far from being such a Judge as shall lay any intolerable yoke upon any one's neck.

My judgment ought to be given for the plaintiff: but my brothers are all of another opinion, and so I submit to it. The defendant must have his judgment.

An universal custom is a law, and I know no distinction between lex mercatoria and consuetudo mercaborum.