Justice Robert H. JacksonJustice Robert H. Jackson, (1892-1954), U. S. Supreme Court Justice

Justice Robert H. Jackson Quote

“[T]he arguments that have been addressed to us lead me to utter more explicit misgivings about war powers than the Court has done. The Government asserts no constitutional basis for this legislation other than this vague, undefined and undefinable 'war power.' No one will question that this power is the most dangerous one to free government in the whole catalogue of powers. It is usually invoked in haste and excitement, when calm legislative consideration of constitutional limitation is difficult. It is executed in a time of patriotic fervor that makes moderation unpopular. And, worst of all, it is interpreted by judges under the influence of the same passions and pressures. Always, as in this case, the Government urges hasty decision to forestall some emergency or serve some purpose and pleads that paralysis will result if its claims to power are denied or their confirmation delayed.”

Justice Robert H. JacksonJustice Robert H. Jackson
~ Justice Robert H. Jackson

Woods v. Cloyd W. Miller Co., 333 U.S. 138, 146 (1948).

Ratings and Comments


J Carlton, Calgary

Panic the herd...Start a War. Same old same old...

jim k, Austin, Tx

People will give up anything and everything when a war is in progress. WW2 was a great example and that's why there is always some sort of war in progress. It's a great way for government to control people.

E Archer, NYC

9/11 has served that very purpose. A false flag that has paid off in spades -- we now have Homeland Security (why don't we just call it the Fatherland and get it over with) and a whole host of new 'security' agencies that in order to protect us from those that hate us because of our freedom they simply take away our freedom! All I can presume is that terrorism is on its face a con for us to become permanent wards of the socialist/fascist state.

Rita, WA
  • Reply
Rita, WA    4/30/12

Right on the money.

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