Unusual Request for a Quote: For Judge to Include in Court Decision

[Lovegasoline]

Greetings everyone.

I’ve come here seeking a quote … for an unusual context: I need a quote for a judge to include in a Supreme Court decision.

I’m in an unusual situation, a classic tale, but one of displacement as old civilization. I’ve been in the same apartment, my home, for decades. My building was sold and the new owner is a nuclear level nightmare of bottomless corruption and greed who has been practicing his abuse of power and harassment through the legal system. He’s been inventing false pretexts so as to be able to sue me repeatedly in order to try to force me out if my home by having me spends tens of thousands to defend myself. I’ve won all the lawsuits to date.

In the current lawsuit, the owner claimed I refused to temporarily move out of my apartment for repairs: repairs were needed but there was no need to move…it was a ploy to take my apartment and also sue me for like a million in damages.

The judged has already stated to both sides that he’s ruling in my favor and is going to dismiss the landlord’s case tomorrow with a written decision. That’s where the quote comes in.

I mentioned to the judge that I was aware he had a reputation for often writing his Orders in an unconventional manner with literary flourishes, including quotes of great literature or poetry, and although I was grateful for his judicial fairness in deciding my case, his Orders in my case are written in more direct, straight forward language. I said my struggle to keep my home has at times also caused me reflect on those larger mythic human themes and I'd be proud to frame an Order of his from this lawsuit over my desk, which included one of his literary flourishes (edit: and also to show it to other tenants so they can feel fortified in defending their rights and feel that justice can prevail). All this was said in a sort of lighthearted way and the judge laughed and said, "Bring me a quote from Shakespeare and I'll put it the Decision".

So thus I am here on your fourm. Does anyone have suggestions for a quote?
Shakespeare would be perfect, but I think anything from the classics would be suitable to this judge’s temperament.

Thanks a bunch for any ideas.

[Cunninglinguist]

“But men are men; the best sometimes forget” – from act 2, scene 3 of Othello.

“Fishes live in the sea, as men do a-land; the great ones eat up the little ones: I can compare our rich misers to nothing so fitly as to a whale.” - from act 2, scene 1 of Pericles.

[Lovegasoline]

Thanks Cunninglinguist, nice quotes.

Anyone else?

[Vautrin]

"A horse! A horse! My landlord is a horse! (okay, this one is at least inspired by Shakespeare)

Here's a real quote:

"O, what men dare do! What men may do! What men daily
do, not knowing what they do!" -- Much Ado About Nothing (IV, i, 19-21)

[Lovegasoline]

Sweet. Thanks Vautrin.

My deadline is about noon on monday. So, if a quote pops into anyone's head, please do post it up. Something that has resonance and would be suitable for a justice to include on a decision.

Thanks again folks!

[JBI]

:p watch the quote end this guy in appeals court.

[billl]

Seriously, I haven't spent much time in court, but this sort of thing seems a little unseemly. The judge is offering to let you set the tone for his ruling? Are you gonna give him a bottle of wine, too?

[Lovegasoline]

The lawsuit was brought frivolously based on false allegations and false assertions, furthermore it did not follow the legal requirements and prerequisites for the forms of relief sought. In essence, it was a form of extortion. After the hearings and motion practice took place the judge had already informed both parties that he was dismissing the case. Nothing about literature, quotations, or Shakespeare has influenced the outcome of the case (which was decided solely on the facts presented and the law), nor has it influenced or biased the judge. The judge made clear how he is going to rule after all the arguments had concluded and all testimony and facts were presented; that part of the case is concluded and no new material can be presented.
As mentioned, the judge often uses language that includes quotations rather than only routine legalese. If the judge is presented with a quote that fits, give expression to his decision, he is certainly entitled to incorporate it. Do a bit of reading and you will see a small (and occasionally interesting) sub-genre of literature that is comprised of judicial decisions.

Furthermore, often in a lawsuit (which may involve many decisions over the course of the suit) after a hearing has concluded the judge will orally state what his decision is and one of the attorneys will be asked to write it...which they will, after which they read it back to the judge and he approves and signs it. The procedure is often different than how it is presented in the movies.

Thanks again for all the great quotes and please do keep posting your suggestions.

[Seasider]

...mercy is above this sceptred sway,
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's,
When mercy seasons justice...

from Portia's speech, Act 4 Sc 1 The Merchant of Venice

[Pecksie]

Well... I think it is completely unseemly for a judge to ask a litigant for copy to include in a ruling --- regardless of the merits of that litigant's case.

[Pecksie]

Seriously, I haven't spent much time in court, but this sort of thing seems a little unseemly. The judge is offering to let you set the tone for his ruling? Are you gonna give him a bottle of wine, too?

My own thoughts. Definitely a no-go.