Thomas Jefferson Quote

"[N]othing in the Constitution has given [the judiciary] a right to decide for the Executive, more than to the executive to decide for them. Both magistracies are equally independent in the sphere of action assigned to them… the opinion which gives to the judges the right to decide what laws are constitutional, and what are not, not only for themselves in their own sphere of action, but for the Legislature & Executive also, in their spheres, would make the judiciary a despotic branch."

By:	Thomas Jefferson (more quotes by Thomas Jefferson or books by/about Thomas Jefferson)
	(1743-1826), US Founding Father, drafted the Declaration of Independence, 3rd US President
Source:	Letter to Mrs. John Adams, September, 1804
Categories:	Constitution, Despotism, Judiciary, Power
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