Though every legal task demands this skill, it is especially important in the effort to frame public policy in a way that is properly responsive to human needs and predicaments. The question is always: How will the general rule work in practice?

As U. Richardson is one of only two individuals to serve in four United States Cabinet positions within the United States government: Secretary of Health Education and Welfare from 1970 to 1973 Secretary of Defense from January to May 1973 Attorney General from May to October 1973 and Secretary of Commerce from 1976 to 1977.