The judicial system is the most expensive machine ever invented for finding out what happened and what to do about it.

Irving R. Kaufman’s quote, "The judicial system is the most expensive machine ever invented for finding out what happened and what to do about it," critiques the complexity and costliness of the judicial system. Kaufman is highlighting the significant financial and resource investments required to navigate legal processes, from investigations to trials and appeals. He points out that while the system is designed to determine the truth of a situation ("what happened") and deliver justice ("what to do about it"), the methods involved are often costly and time-consuming.

The quote reflects Kaufman’s recognition of the inherent inefficiencies in the judicial system, especially when it comes to its financial burden on the public and the individuals involved. Despite its noble aim of seeking justice and determining facts, the machine of the legal process requires vast resources in terms of time, money, and human effort. Kaufman’s metaphor of the machine underscores the mechanized, sometimes bureaucratic nature of the system, which can make even simple cases disproportionately expensive.

Irving R. Kaufman was a U.S. federal judge known for his tenure as a judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. His quote may have been shaped by his experiences within the legal system, where he witnessed the often-excessive costs of litigation, trials, and the administration of justice. Kaufman’s perspective reflects a critical view of how the judicial system functions, particularly in the context of its accessibility and fairness.

In essence, Kaufman’s quote calls attention to the expensive nature of the judicial system, suggesting that while the process of determining justice is essential, it comes with a significant financial cost. The statement serves as a critique of the inefficiencies and economic burdens that can arise from a system that is meant to provide fairness but often does so at a high price.