William Blackstone Quotes

A collection of quotes by William Blackstone.

William Blackstone (1723-1780) was an English jurist, legal scholar, and professor who greatly contributed to the development of English common law. He was born in London and came from a prosperous family. Blackstone studied at Charterhouse School, where his intellect and dedication to his studies were evident from an early age. He later attended Pembroke College at the University of Oxford, where he distinguished himself academically.

After completing his education, Blackstone was called to the bar and became a barrister at the Middle Temple. However, his true passion lay in teaching and legal scholarship. He returned to Oxford and became a lecturer at the university, teaching subjects like English common law and constitutional law.

In 1765, Blackstone published his most influential work, "Commentaries on the Laws of England," which served as a comprehensive guide to English law. His book was immensely popular and became the standard legal text for generations of lawyers and judges. Blackstone’s work focused on explaining the principles and customs of English law, providing clarity and coherence to the legal system.

Blackstone's impact extended beyond England. His work was highly regarded in the American colonies, and his ideas influenced the drafting of the United States Constitution and the development of American law.

William Blackstone's contributions to legal scholarship and his ability to articulate complex legal concepts in a clear and accessible manner established him as one of the most influential figures in the history of English law.

Men was formed for society, and is neither capable of living

Men was formed for society, and is neither capable of living alone, nor has the courage to do it.

William Blackstone


The Royal Navy of England hath ever been its greatest defens

The Royal Navy of England hath ever been its greatest defense and ornament it is its ancient and natural strength the floating bulwark of the island.

William Blackstone


Those rights, then, which God and nature have established, a

Those rights, then, which God and nature have established, and are therefore called natural rights, such as life and liberty, need not the aid of human laws to be more effectually invested in every man than they are; neither do they receive any additional strength when declared by the municipal laws to be inviolate. On the contrary, no human legislature has power to abridge or destroy them, unless the owner shall himself commit some act that amounts to a forfeiture.

William Blackstone

Rights

In all tyrannical governments the supreme magistracy, or the

In all tyrannical governments the supreme magistracy, or the right both of making and of enforcing the laws, is vested in one and the same man, or one and the same body of men; and wherever these two powers are united together, there can be no public liberty.

William Blackstone


The Royal Navy of England hath ever been its greatest defens

The Royal Navy of England hath ever been its greatest defense and ornament; it is its ancient and natural strength; the floating bulwark of the island.

William Blackstone

Military

So great moreover is the regard of the law for private prope

So great moreover is the regard of the law for private property, that it will not authorize the least violation of it; no, not even for the general good of the whole community.

William Blackstone