"As a member of this court I am not justified in writing my private notions of policy into the Constitution, no matter how deeply I may cherish them or how mischievous I may deem their disregard"

Felix Frankfurter, a previous Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, typically highlighted judicial restraint and fidelity to the Constitution as it is written. In this quote, Frankfurter articulates an essential principle of his judicial approach: the separation between a judge's individual beliefs and their role in interpreting the law.

Frankfurter begins by determining himself as a "member of this court", highlighting his role as a jurist within the Supreme Court. This develops his authority and the weight of his declaration within the context of constitutional analysis. By stating he is "not justified in writing my private concepts of policy into the Constitution", Frankfurter worries the value of neutrality and restraint. His choice of words underscores the concept that the judiciary must not be a venue for individual or ideological agendas. Instead, judges are entrusted with analyzing the law as it stands, based on the Constitution.

He acknowledges that judges, like anybody else, have individual beliefs and perfects-- his "private notions of policy". Frankfurter admits these beliefs can be "deeply valued", indicating that it is natural for judges to hold strong personal convictions. Nevertheless, he insists that such convictions should not affect their legal interpretations. This distinction is critical in keeping the integrity of the judiciary and guaranteeing that it serves its function as an objective arbiter of the law.

Frankfurter also refers to these concepts' possible effects, whether advantageous or "naughty". This recommends his awareness that the neglect of individual beliefs may often lead to undesirable results. Nevertheless, he strengthens the concept that the judiciary's role is not to enact laws from the bench however to use the Constitution as it is. By adhering to this principle, Frankfurter argues, the judiciary protects the balance of power amongst the branches of federal government and preserves the guideline of law.

Thus, the quote functions as a suggestion of the importance of judicial restraint and the necessity for judges to leave individual biases aside to uphold the Constitution faithfully.