John Holt Quotes

I do not pretend to dispense equity at large, but only by the consent of the parties, upon a rule of Court.

Whatever at common law might be amended in civil cases, was at common law amendable in criminal, and so it is at this day.

If public officers will infringe men's rights, they ought to pay greater damages than other men, to deter and hinder other officers from the like offences.

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

We are not to issue process here as instruments or conduit-pipes, but judicially as Judges: and it will not be an objection to say, that we may award process at all hazards, and let the party grieved come after and plead to it; for we shall never grant an ill-writ, that the party may avoid it in pleading.

We take notice of all feasts, and the almanack is part of the common law, the calendar being established by Act of Parliament, and it is published before the Common-prayer Book.

Let all people come in, and vote fairly; it is to support one or the other party, to deny any man's vote.

He whose dirt it is must keep it that it may not trespass.

The subject being unusual, I fear that I shall not make myself intelligible, but I will do my endeavour, that the reasons of our judgment may be apprehended.

Surely the navy must be the navy royal.

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

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

It is abominable to convict a man behind his back.

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

A man may be reputed an able man this year, and yet be a beggar the next; it is a misfortune that happens to many men, and his former reputation will signify nothing.