Quotes

The truth is in the gaps.

— Craig S. Stevenson

I have used this phrase over the years to teach my family that the truth is often hidden in what is left out or missing.

The system is designed to protect the system.

— Craig S. Stevenson

Based on my experience, the judicial system appears designed to protect itself, and the people who work within it, from accountability.

The quest for truth should alarm no one.

— Craig S. Stevenson

I used this quote in a sworn deposition after the opposing side appeared to be alarmed that I was performing my own legal research. (Doc. 520, at 23-24.)

The Minnesota Code of Judicial Conduct appears to exist only to convince the naive public that the judicial system is fair.

— Craig S. Stevenson

In my experience, the Minnesota Code of Judicial Conduct is largely ignored, seldom enforced, and virtually meaningless.

I have never spoken about ‘my childhood’ abuse in a colloquial sense.

— Marie Stevenson

My response to Judge Miller, who stated in his Summary Judgment Order that I had only spoken “colloquially” about my childhood abuse. (Doc. 429, at 18.)

There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice.

— Montesquieu

Montesquieu was famous for his theory of the separation of powers. His ideas profoundly influenced the United States Constitution and other modern democratic governments.

In Minnesota: The facts don’t matter. The law doesn’t matter. The judge matters!

— Craig S. Stevenson

Based on my experience and research, the most significant factor in who wins or loses a lawsuit isn’t the facts or the law. It’s the judge, and his or her commitment to fairness and impartiality.

If it can happen to us, it can happen to you.

— Craig S. Stevenson

I have significant concerns that our experience, although perhaps an outlier in degree, is not unique.

There are two ways for a court to decide a case. It can hear the facts, research the law and arrive at a conclusion based on that process. Using this method, the court has no idea how the case will turn out until the process plays itself out. In my naïve world, I like to think this is how it is supposed to work.

The other method is for the court to determine in advance what it wants the result to be and then find a way to get there. I call this “outcome based” jurisprudence. And I hate it. It is a type of “ends justifies the means” cynical approach to the law.

— John C. Greiner, Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP

I found this quote while performing a search for judicial fairness and impartiality. I have yet to find anyone else who has described our experience more accurately.