I was reminded of a much-quoted essay written by President Lincoln shortly after he returned to the private practice of law following his single term in the House of Representatives.

To see what brought this 150-year-old document back to memory, read Judge Christian N. (“Speedy”) Weiler’s opinion in Charles G. Kinney, T. C. Memo. 2022-81, filed 7/28/22.

Now read what President Lincoln had to say.

“Never stir up litigation. A worse man can scarcely be found than one who does this. Who can be more nearly a fiend than he who habitually overhauls the register of deeds in search of defects in titles, whereon to stir up strife, and put money in his pocket? A moral tone ought to be infused into the profession which should drive such men out of it.”