Subject: Government » Law

Here [in Paris] they hang a man first, and try him afterward.

(1622 – 1673) French playwright & actor

Even the police have an unlisted number.

(1908 – 1996) actor & comedian

Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through.

(1667 – 1745) Irish satirist & essayist

The case has been going on for so long that I've forgotten whether I'm really innocent or guilty.

(1933 – ) English author & cartoonist

The one great principle of the English law is, to make business for itself.

(1812 – 1870) English novelist

Justice is open to everyone in the same way as the Ritz Hotel.

(1740 – 1819) American lawyer, jurist & politician

When the President does it, that means that it is not illegal.

(1913 – 1994) 37th U.S. president

We still… cannot catch Osama bin Laden, but we nailed Martha Stewart's ass to the wall.

(1964 – ) American comedian & actor

Easiest job you could ever have… whoever gets to put Michael Jackson in a witness chair and create "reasonable doubt."

(1957 – 2007) American stand-up comedian & actor

I would think the squad car cop is to the cop on a bike as the sketch artist is to the etch-a-sketch artist.

(1969 – ) American stand-up comedian

This contract is so one-sided that I am surprised to find it written on both sides of the paper.

(1899 – 1966) British judge

Legal: Used to mean lawful; now it means some kind of loophole.

I always say… that if my fellow citizens want to go to Hell I will help them… it’s my job.

(1841 – 1935) American jurist & Supreme Court justice

Liquor – you can make it illegal but you can't make it unpopular.

(1886 – 1969) American journalist & humorist

Censorship does not interfere with the constitutional rights of every American to sit alone in a dark room in the nude and cuss.

(1927 – 1997) Am. comedian & satirist notable for mock presidential campaign

Lawyers, I suppose, were children once.

(1775 – 1834) English critic & essayist

The rule is perfect: in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane.

Samuel Clemens (1835 – 1910) author & humorist

These people have served a longer sentence than some people who have committed murder.

(1943 – ) American television journalist & author

Judge: Mr Smith, you must not direct the jury. What do you suppose I am on the bench for?

Smith: It is not for me, your honour, to attempt to fathom the inscrutable workings of Providence.

(1872 – 1930) British statesman, politician & lawyer

The only thing a lawyer won’t question is the legitimacy of his mother.

(1880 – 1946) comedian, actor, juggler & writer

Only lawyers and mental defectives are automatically exempt for jury duty.

(1856 – 1950) Irish playwright & socialist