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The censor is always quick to justify his function in terms that are protective of society. But the First Amendment, written in terms that are absolute, deprives the States of any power to pass on the value, the propriety, or the morality of a particular expression.

— William O. Douglas

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Freedom

More quotes by William O. Douglas

The Court's great power is its ability to educate, to provide moral leadership.

The liberties of none are safe unless the liberties of all are protected.

A Living Bill of Rights (1961)

We need to be bold and adventurous in our thinking in order to survive.

The struggle is always between the individual and his sacred right to express himself and the power structure that seeks conformity, suppression, and obedience.

Religious experiences which are as real as life to some may be incomprehensible to others.

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There is no governor anywhere; you are all absolutely free. There is no restraint that cannot be escaped.

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: William O. Douglas (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.