Since twelve honest men have decided the cause,
And were judges of fact, tho' not judges of laws.

Since twelve honest men have decided the cause,
And were judges of fact, tho' not judges of laws.

So wise, so grave, of so perplex'd a tongue,
And loud withal, that would not wag, not scarce
read more

So wise, so grave, of so perplex'd a tongue,
And loud withal, that would not wag, not scarce
Lie still without a fee.

Judges ought to be more learned than witty, more reverend than
plausible, and more advised than confident. Above all read more

Judges ought to be more learned than witty, more reverend than
plausible, and more advised than confident. Above all things,
integrity is their portion and proper virtue.

I'm not final because I'm right, I'm right because I'm final.

I'm not final because I'm right, I'm right because I'm final.

Art thou a magistrate? then be severe:
If studious, copy fair what time hath blurr'd,
Redeem truth read more

Art thou a magistrate? then be severe:
If studious, copy fair what time hath blurr'd,
Redeem truth from his jaws: if a soldier,
Chase brave employments with a naked sword
Throughout the world. Fool not, for all may have
If they dare try, a glorious life, or grave.

The acme of judicial distinction means the ability to look a
lawyer straight in the eyes for two hours read more

The acme of judicial distinction means the ability to look a
lawyer straight in the eyes for two hours and not to hear a
damned word he says.

A judge's duty is to grant justice, but his practice is to delay
it: even those judges who know read more

A judge's duty is to grant justice, but his practice is to delay
it: even those judges who know their duty adhere to the general
practice.
[Fr., Le devoir des juges est de rendre justice, leur metier est
de la differer; quelques uns savent leur devoir, et font leur
metier.]

It doth appear you are a worthy judge;
You know the law, your exposition
Hath been most read more

It doth appear you are a worthy judge;
You know the law, your exposition
Hath been most sound.

He who the sword of heaven will bear
Should be as holy as severe;
Pattern in himself read more

He who the sword of heaven will bear
Should be as holy as severe;
Pattern in himself to know,
Grace to stand, and virtue go;
More nor less to others paying
Than by self-offenses weighing.
Shame to him whose cruel striking
Kills for faults of his own liking.