William Henry Ashurst (judge)

“There is no magic in parchment or in wax.”

“Every rule may be waived by the person for whose benefit it is introduced.”

“No man ought to be so absurd as to make a purchase without looking at the title deeds; if he is, he must take the consequence of his own negligence.”

“No admission of the party . . . can make that legal which is in its nature illegal.”

“It is a strong presumption that that which never has been done cannot by law be done at all.”

“Better that an individual should suffer an injury than that the public should suffer an inconvenience.”

“Though the mere opinion of an Attorney- or Solicitor-General ought not to be cited, yet coupled with the fact, it may have some weight as showing the general sense of professional men.”

“When the Court see reason to suspect that justice has not been done to any particular defendant, they will in their discretion direct a further enquiry into the merits of the cause.”

“This Court will always know to temper mercy with justice where there is room for it.”

“General laws cannot give way to particular cases.”

“It is every man's own fault if he does not take such advice as will be sure to lead him right.”

“Paper currency, guarded by proper regulations and restrictions, is the life of commerce.”