If we're picking people to draw out of their own conscience and experience a 'new' Constitution, we should not look principally for good lawyers. We should look to people who agree with us. When we are in that mode, you realize we have rendered the Constitution useless.

The quote by Antonin Scalia, "If we're picking people to draw out of their own conscience and experience a 'new' Constitution, we should not look principally for good lawyers. We should look to people who agree with us. When we are in that mode, you realize we have rendered the Constitution useless," reflects his judicial philosophy and concern for constitutional integrity. Scalia critiques the idea of interpreting the Constitution based on personal beliefs or political alignment, emphasizing that doing so undermines the rule of law and the foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution.

The origin of the quote comes from Antonin Scalia, an influential Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, known for his originalist and textualist approach to constitutional interpretation. Scalia frequently argued that judges should adhere to the intent and meaning of the Constitution as written, rather than imposing their own ideological preferences. This statement reflects his concern that prioritizing agreement over legal fidelity erodes the Constitution’s authority and purpose.

At its core, the quote conveys the dangers of politicizing the judiciary. Scalia warns that when legal decisions are driven by personal or partisan agreement rather than objective legal principles, the Constitution loses its role as a neutral framework that guides governance and protects individual rights. His words underscore the need for judicial restraint and adherence to law, rather than allowing subjective preferences to shape foundational rules.

Ultimately, this quote serves as both a caution and a call for principled jurisprudence. Scalia emphasizes that the Constitution’s power lies in its stability and impartiality, and that bending it to fit personal or political views renders it ineffectual. The statement reflects his lifelong commitment to preserving the integrity, clarity, and rule-based nature of American law.