Judge Learned Hand, Memorial ser Quotes

A collection of quotes by Judge Learned Hand, Memorial ser.

Judge Learned Hand (1872-1961) was an American jurist who made significant contributions to the field of law and played a pivotal role in shaping legal thought during the 20th century. Born in Albany, New York, on January 27, 1872, Hand graduated from Harvard Law School in 1896. He began his legal career in private practice, specializing in corporate law, before being appointed as a federal judge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Hand is best known for his service as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, where he served from 1924 until his retirement in 1951. Throughout his career, Hand was highly regarded for his profound legal insights, eloquent writing style, and his commitment to upholding individual liberties and the rule of law.

Judge Learned Hand's jurisprudence emphasized the balancing of competing interests and the need for a dynamic and adaptable legal system. He advocated for a pragmatic approach that considered both the letter and spirit of the law, as well as the social and economic consequences of legal decisions.

His most famous legal opinion, in the case of United States v. Carroll Towing Co. (1947), introduced the influential "Hand Formula" as a test to determine negligence in tort law. This formula became a cornerstone of negligence analysis across various jurisdictions.

Judge Learned Hand's wisdom and contributions to legal philosophy continue to shape the American legal system, and his Memorial Sermon delivered by his friend and fellow jurist, Judge Swan, remains a powerful testimony to his impact even after his death in 1961.