If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable.

In this quote, Louis D. Brandeis emphasizes that in order for the law to earn the respect of the public, it must first be made respectable. Brandeis suggests that laws cannot demand respect simply through authority; they must be based on principles of justice, fairness, and integrity. If the legal system is seen as unjust, corrupt, or disconnected from the needs of society, it will fail to inspire respect and trust among the people it is meant to serve.

Brandeis’ statement highlights the importance of ethical standards and accountability in the creation and enforcement of laws. A law that is morally sound and transparent will naturally gain respect from the public, whereas a law that is perceived as unjust or self-serving will lead to skepticism and disobedience. He argues that the legitimacy of the legal system depends not on how forcefully laws are imposed, but on how just and fair they are.

The origin of this quote comes from Louis D. Brandeis, an influential Supreme Court Justice known for his advocacy for privacy rights, transparency, and social justice. Brandeis was deeply concerned with the growing power of big corporations and the need for the law to protect individuals' rights against abuses of power. His work and writings were instrumental in shaping modern understandings of constitutional law and civil liberties.

Ultimately, Brandeis’ quote serves as a call for reform and moral integrity in the legal system. It stresses that laws must be crafted and enforced with a commitment to justice if they are to be respected by the public. For Brandeis, a respectable law is one that aligns with the ideals of fairness, equity, and the protection of individual rights, ensuring that the law serves society’s best interests.