John Holt Quotes

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

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

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.

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

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

Surely the navy must be the navy royal.

Every man that is injured ought to have his recompence.

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 the government of the city.

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.

It is a disparagement of the Government, who put an ill man into office.

It is a vain thing to imagine a right without a remedy; for want of right and want of remedy are reciprocal.

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

If it be a matter within our jurisdiction, we are bound by our oaths to judge of it.

It is abominable to convict a man behind his back.