Quote#Politics & Power
We ought, as far as we can by law, to support the government of all…
Quote byJohn Holt · 1642–1710
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Clark's Case (1696), 5 Mod. Rep. 320..
English (original)
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 the government of the city.
— John Holt
More from John Holt
I am far from being such a Judge as shall lay any intolerable yoke upon any one's neck.
We cannot alter the law, we are bound by our oaths to proceed according to the law as it is at present.
An universal custom is a law, and I know no distinction between lex mercatoria and consuetudo mercaborum.
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.
We cannot make a law, we must go according to the law. That must be our rule and direction.
No counsel in the world that understand themselves, can argue anything against what has been often settled and always practised.