William Henry Ashurst (judge)

William Henry Ashurst (1725–1807) was an English judge.

Quotes

• There is no magic in parchment or in wax.
  • Master v. Miller (1763), 4 T. R. 320.

• Every rule may be waived by the person for whose benefit it is introduced.
  • Bickerdike v. Bollman (1787), 1 T. R. 405.

• 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.
  • Goodtitle v. Morgan (1787), 1 T. R. 762.

• No admission of the party . . . can make that legal which is in its nature illegal.
  • Atherfold v. Beard (1788), 1 T. R. 615.

• It is a strong presumption that that which never has been done cannot by law be done at all.
  • Russell v. The Mayor of Devon (1788), 1 T. R. 673.

• Better that an individual should suffer an injury than that the public should suffer an inconvenience.
  • Russell v. The Mayor of Devon (1788), 1 T. R. 673.

• 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.
  • King v. Pasmore (1789), 3 T. R. 243.

• 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.
  • The King v. Holt (1793), 5 T. R. 444.

• This Court will always know to temper mercy with justice where there is room for it.
  • Holt's Case (1793), 22 How. St. Tr. 1237.

• General laws cannot give way to particular cases.
  • King v. The College of Physicians (1797), 7 T. R. 290.

• It is every man's own fault if he does not take such advice as will be sure to lead him right.
  • Goodtitle v. Otway (1797), 7 T. R. 420.

• Paper currency, guarded by proper regulations and restrictions, is the life of commerce.
  • Jordaine v. Lashbrooke (1798), 7 T. R. 605.