Judicial Quotes

Jurisdiction is everything. Without it, a court has no power to make one step, where a court has no Jurisdiction there would be no basis for a continuation of proceedings pending other evidence and a court of law downs its tools in respect of the matter before it, the moment it holds the opinion that it is without jurisdiction. - Nyarangi J in  Owners of Motor Vessel "Lillian S" v. Caltex Oil Kenya, Ltd.

“In the interpretation of any law touching on the Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction, the guiding principle is to be that the chain of Courts in the constitutional set-up, running up to the Court of Appeal, have the professional competence, and proper safety designs, to resolve all matters turning on the technical complexity of the law; and only cardinal issues of law or of jurisprudential moment, will deserve the further input of the Supreme Court.” - Supreme Court of Kenya in Peter Ngoge v Ole kaparo

A question of general Public Importance is a question which takes into account the well being of a society in just proportions. Madan JA in Murai v Wainaina

The constitution will endure as a vital charter of human liberty as long as there are those with courage to defend it, the vision to interpret it, and the fidelity to live by it. - Justice William J. Brennan


The study of law renders men acute, inquisitive, dexterous, prompt in attack, ready in defence and full of resources. - Edmund Burke