John Holt Quotes

Shall we relieve a man, that trusts when he needs not?

Shall we indict one man for making a fool of another?

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.

It is abominable to convict a man behind his back.

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.

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.

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

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.

A gentleman of Lincoln's-inn.

Rokeby, J.: I do not think but a Popish doctor may be a good doctor to a Protestant patient; but I do not think that a Popish governor can be a good governor for a Protestant subject.
Holt, C.J.: Aye, but a Popish censor is not so proper to supervise and inspect all the Protestant physicians.

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

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.

It is expected you should do your best for those you are assigned for, as it is expected in any other case, that you do your duty for your client.

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