"It has often been matter of regret in modern times that, in the construction of the Statute of Limitations, the decisions had not proceeded upon principles better adapted to carry into effect the real objects of the Statute; that instead of being viewed in an unfavourable light as an unjust and discreditable defence, it had not received such support as would have made it what it was intended to be, emphatically a Statute of repose. It is a wise and beneficial law, not designed merely to raise a presumption of payment of a just debt from lapse of time, but to afford security against stale demands after the true state of the transaction may be forgotten, or be incapable of explanation by reason of the death or removal of witnesses."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Justices of the Supreme Court of the United StatesLawyers from the United StatesJuristsPeople from Massachusetts
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Bell v. Morrison, 1 Peters, Sup. C. Rep. (U. S.) 360 (1828).
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Joseph_Story
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Joseph Story
Joseph Story (September 18, 1779 – September 10, 1845) was an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving from 1812 to 1845. He is most remembered for his opinions in Martin v. Hunter's Lessee and United States v. The Amistad, and especially for his Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States, first published in 1833. Dominating the field in the 19th century, this work is a cornerstone of early American jurisprudence. It is the second comprehensive treatise on
16 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Joseph Story →
Related Quotes
"Here shall the Press the People's right maintain, Unawed by influence and unbribed by gain; Here Patriot Truth her gl…"
"[O]ur constitutions of government have declared that all men are born free and equal, and have certain inalienable ri…"
"I will not say with Lord Hale, that "the law will admit of no rival, and nothing to go even with it;" but I will say,…"
"Be brief, be pointed, let your matter stand Lucid in order, solid and at hand; Spend not your words on trifles but co…"
"He who seeks equity must do equity."
"I am not able to understand how it can be correctly said in a legal sense, that an action will not lie even in the ca…"
"The Constitution unavoidably deals in general language. It did not suit the purposes of the people, in framing this g…"
"The patent act uses the phrase 'useful invention' merely incidentally. ... All that the law requires is, that the inv…"
"If these Commentaries shall but inspire in the rising generation a more ardent love of their country, an unquenchable…"
"Every free man has an undoubted right to lay what sentiments he pleases before the public; to forbid this is to destr…"