July 10, 2025

The magistrate ought definitely to bear in mind that he represents the state. It is his duty to uphold its honor and dignity, to enforce its laws, to dispense to everyone his constitutional rights, and to remember all that has been committed to his sacred trust.

Cicero (106–43 BC), Roman statesman, lawyer and academic, De Officiis, I, 34

As a magistrate (one who represents the state), do you uphold, enforce, dispense and remember all that is committed to your trust, as Cicero instructs?

This job description is refreshing to the extent that the way the job is being carried out these days in a variety of jurisdictions suggests a falling away from the Ciceronian ideal. Witness the view that government is the enemy—a widely-held opinion in many quarters, among those who probably have never heard of the author.