Thomas Hardiman Quotes

A judge can't have any preferred outcome in any particular case. The judge's only obligation - and it's a solemn obligation - is to the rule of law.

A judge is supposed to have empathy for no one but simply to follow the law.

I do not decide cases based on personal or policy preferences.

As attorney general, I don't get to pick and choose the laws I like and don't like.

I am able to put aside personal beliefs and follow the law, even when I strongly disagree with it.

A judge must be independent and must interpret the law, not make the law.

Finally, a good prosecutor knows that her job is to enforce the law without fear or favor. Likewise, a Supreme Court Justice must interpret the laws without fear or favor.

It is not permitted to the most equitable of men to be a judge in his own cause.

A judge who likes every opinion he reaches is a bad judge.

My job is to enforce the law, without fear or favor.

I would make sure that the values that I would be enforcing if I were a judge are not just my values.

Were I confirmed as a judge, I would decide cases according to the rule of law beginning to end.

I am not a pro-plaintiff or pro-defendant judge.

I'm duty-bound to follow the law and apply to the law to the facts as I find them.

The enforcement of the law cannot depend on the justice of a cause or one man's conscience.

I respect people who feel things passionately. I do. But when someone is a judge, that is not what they should bring to the bench. It is not really passion, except in rare instances, that serves the bench well. It is, rather, an ability to understand the law and follow it.

The courtroom is a quiet place, Judge Roberts, where you park your political ideology, and you call the balls and you call the strikes.

All judges have cases that touch our passions deeply, but we all struggle constantly with remaining impartial.

[Discussing the confirmation process:] A judge sworn to decide impartially can offer no forecasts, no hints, for that would show not only disregard for the specifics of the particular case, it would display disdain for the entire judicial process.

Judges shall judge justly, according to the written law and not according to their own judgment.

No man must be Judge who propounds unto himself any hope of profit, or glory, from the victory of either party.

Judges should follow the law in deciding cases - not their own values, good or bad.

Good judges do not side with anyone. They rule impartially and blindly based upon the law.

A judge is supposed to be able to make a decision, and when you make a decision, very often one party - and very often both - are a little disappointed.

As a former prosecutor, I will always be on the side of the law and not any particular constituency.