Judge Gideon J. Tucker Quote

“No man's life, liberty or property are safe while the legislature is in session.”

~ Judge Gideon J. Tucker

New York, c. 1866, as reported in David Friedman, The Machinery of Freedom (La Salle: Open Court, 1989), p. 146.

Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

too true, too true

Waffler, Smith, Arkansas

A Chicago judge said during a Federal Investigation of Chicago corruption that anyone who cooperates with the Feds is the lowest of the low. To some extent public policy is always against personal or private policy. But as long as there is more than one of us we will have public policy.

J Carlton, Calgary

With laws in place for the seizure of property and liberty on the thinnest of pretenses by the Federal Government, I'd say the Judge knows of what he speaks. Sometimes despotism comes from the legislative branch.

Paula, Grand Rapids, MI

I find these quotes very depressing, probably because of the truth in them, can't we mix them up with some that speak of our strengths and how we have persevered too?

E Archer, NYC

The truth is depressing -- that is why no one wants to hear it. Instead of waiting for someone else to sugar coat reality, how about doing something about the corruption? Flag waving does little but say 'we are the best' without actually living up to our responsibilities.

Editor, Liberty Quotes

Thanks for your feedback, Paula. It is a challenge to find quotes every day, year after year. Perhaps you can help by telling us what you consider 'our' strengths to be and in what we have persevered? Cheers.

Marge Griff, Kansas City MO

The quote your published today by Judge Gideon Tucker, "No man's life, liberty or property are safe while the legislature is in session," was actually by Benjamin Franklin, who lived from 1706-1790. Tucker wasn't even born until 1826. THIS IS OUTRIGHT PLAGIARISM! mgriff@everestkc.net

J Carlton
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  • Reply
    J Carlton    1/9/08

    Doesn't matter who said it. Its been attributed to a few people including Mark Twain. Fact is, it's as true today as it was...whenever.

    Jack, Green, OH

    If it doesn't matter whose quote it is, why bother naming anyone? Just show the words anonymously. I think it does matter

    Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

    Humankind's life, liberty, and property are all devoted to the effectiveness of legislature, or she or he really has none of these. Socialism is the challenge of social abilities to create a principled social order.

    Mike, Norwalk
    • Reply
    Mike, Norwalk Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown 3/28/24

    Sillik, I smile great big while shaking my lowered head. Even when you are proven wrong, your theocratic word salad doesn't change.

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