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The invention of an author is a species of property unknown to the common law of England. Its usages are immemorial; and the views of it tend to the benefit and advantage of the public with respect to the necessaries of life, and not to the improvement and graces of mind.

— Joseph Yates Dissenting in Millar v Taylor (1769)

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More quotes by Joseph Yates

Old rights must remain: it would be very unreasonable if it should be otherwise.

The Courts can take no notice of anything but what comes judicially before them.

Rex v. Wilkes (1769)

Nothing but what has visible substance, is capable of actual possession.

Dissenting in Millar v Taylor (1769)

Every man has a right to keep his own sentiments if he pleases.

J., dissenting in Millar v. Taylor (1769)

The law is too tenacious of private peace, to suffer litigations to be negotiable.

Dissenting in Millar v Taylor (1769)

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Attribution

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