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Although the decisions of the American Courts are of course not binding on us, yet the sound and enlightened views of American lawyers in the administration and development of the law—a law, except so far as altered by statutory enactment, derived from a common source with our own—entitle their decisions to the utmost respect and confidence on our part.

— Sir Alexander Cockburn, 12th Baronet Scaramanga v. Stamp (1880)

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More quotes by Sir Alexander Cockburn, 12th Baronet

A Judge cannot set himself above the law which he has to administer, or make or mould it to suit the exigencies of a particular occasion.

Martin v. Mackonochie (1878)

Personal injury is a more serious matter than damage to property.

Reg. v. Heppinstale (1859)

I think the old, sound, and honest maxim that "you shall not do evil that good may come," is applicable in law as well as in morals.

Reg. v. Hicklin and another (1868)

When a man is asked if he is an esquire, and he answers that he is an esquire, the general understanding is that he is a person of no profession or occupation.

Perrins v. Marine and General Travellers' Ins. Co (1859)

The impulsive desire to save human life when in peril is one of the most beneficial instincts of humanity, and is nowhere more salutary in its results than in bringing help to those who, exposed to destruction from the fury of winds and waves, would perish if left without assistance.

Scaramanga v. Stamp (1880)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Sir Alexander Cockburn, 12th Baronet (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.