I respect, too, the fact that in our legal order it is for Congress and not the courts to write new laws. It is the role of judges to apply, not alter, the work of the people's representatives.

In this quote, Neil Gorsuch, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, emphasizes the separation of powers in the American legal system, specifically the distinction between the roles of Congress and the courts. He asserts that it is the responsibility of Congress, not the judiciary, to write new laws. Judges, according to Gorsuch, should not be in the business of creating laws but rather applying them as they are written by elected representatives of the people. This reflects his belief in judicial restraint, where courts should interpret the law based on its original text rather than making broad changes or legislating from the bench.

Gorsuch’s statement highlights the principle of democratic governance, where laws are made by elected officials who are accountable to the public, rather than by judges who are appointed for life and are not directly accountable to voters. By emphasizing that judges should only apply, not alter, the laws, Gorsuch advocates for a legal system where judicial overreach is minimized. He believes that judges should respect the intent of the legislature and not engage in activism or reinterpret laws based on personal views or societal trends.

The quote also speaks to Gorsuch’s philosophy of originalism, which emphasizes interpreting the law based on its original meaning rather than adapting it to fit modern circumstances. He believes that the judicial role is to ensure that laws are applied as intended by legislators and that changes to the law should come from legislative bodies, not the courts. This view has been a central theme in Gorsuch's tenure as a Supreme Court Justice, as he often champions textualism and constitutional fidelity.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Gorsuch’s broader judicial philosophy, which prioritizes judicial restraint and respect for the Constitution. As a Supreme Court Justice appointed by President Donald Trump, Gorsuch has frequently articulated his belief that the role of the judiciary is to apply the law as written, leaving lawmaking to those who are directly elected by the people. His position is part of a larger debate in the U.S. over the balance of power between the branches of government and the proper role of the judiciary in shaping public policy.