Sir Edward Coke Quotes

A collection of quotes by Sir Edward Coke.

Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634) was an eminent English lawyer, jurist, and politician. Renowned for his expertise in constitutional law and pivotal role in shaping legal principles, he served as Attorney General and Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and later as Chief Justice of the King's Bench. Coke is remembered for his staunch defense of the common law against royal prerogative, notably against King James I during the infamous Prohibitions Delivered in Parliament controversy. He authored several influential legal and philosophical works, including "The Institutes of the Lawes of England." Coke's legacy lies in his relentless pursuit of a legal system based on the supremacy of law.

There is no jewel in the world comparable to learning; no le

There is no jewel in the world comparable to learning; no learning so excellent both for Prince and subject, as knowledge of laws; and no knowledge of any laws so necessary for all estates and for all causes, concerning goods, lands or life, as the common laws of England.

Sir Edward Coke


Corporations cannot commit treason, or be outlawed or excomm

Corporations cannot commit treason, or be outlawed or excommunicated, for they have no souls.

Sir Edward Coke

Business

For a mans house is his castle, & domus sua cuique est tutis

For a mans house is his castle, & domus sua cuique est tutissimum refugium; for where shall a man be safe, if it be not in his house?

Sir Edward Coke


One threatens the innocent who spares the guilty.

One threatens the innocent who spares the guilty.

Sir Edward Coke

Innocence

We should speak as the populace but think as the learned.

We should speak as the populace but think as the learned.

Sir Edward Coke

Speeches (oratory)

It is therefore necessary that memorable things should be co

It is therefore necessary that memorable things should be committed to writing, and not wholly betaken i. e. , committed to slippery memory which seldom yields a certain reckoning.

Sir Edward Coke