If freedom makes social progress possible, so social progress strengthens and enlarges freedom. The two are inseparable partners in the great adventure of humanity.
Robert KennedyRead
I am deeply impressed with the gravity and wisdom with which most federal judges approach the responsibility of sentencing. It is a difficult, soul-searching task at best.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Judges take their sentencing responsibilities seriously, often reflecting deeply on their decisions.
In this quote, Robert Kennedy acknowledges the profound responsibility that federal judges have when it comes to sentencing. He highlights the gravity of this task, recognizing that it involves significant introspection and moral consideration, as judges weigh the consequences of their decisions not only on the individuals being sentenced but also on society as a whole.
Themes
JudgesSentencingResponsibilityJusticeWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on judicial ethics, one might quote this to highlight the seriousness of sentencing.
More from Robert Kennedy
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Within the United States, we have put great emphasis upon political freedoms. Because it has been our experience that these freedoms can lead to others.
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It is one thing to open job opportunities. It is another to train people to fill them, or to persuade American enterprise to seek Negro as well as white applicants.
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Our attitude towards immigration reflects our faith in the American ideal. We have always believed it possible for men and women who start at the bottom to rise as far as the talent and energy allow. Neither race nor place of birth should affect their chances.
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The Gross National Product measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country. It measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile, and it can tell us everything about America - except whether we are proud to be Americans.
Robert KennedyRead
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