Nov. 19, 2025
Listening as the first principle of civility
Civility, grounded not in mere politeness but in the ethical discipline of listening, serves as the foundation of justice by ensuring fairness, equality and the meaningful recognition of all voices.
Santa Ana
Scott C. Clarkson
Judge
Bankruptcy
Scott C. Clarkson is a U.S. bankruptcy judge in the Central District of California.
"The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure that it is right."
-- Judge Learned Hand, "The Spirit of Liberty" (1944)
Civility is often described in the language of manners, including politeness, courtesy or restraint. Not to be naïve, there exists a line of scholarly critique arguing that appeals to "civility" in public discourse are not neutral or benign, but can serve to discipline, silence, or e...
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