Meaning: This quote is from the opinion of the Court in the case of "United States v. National Treasury Employees Union" (1995). The case involved a challenge to a law that allowed the government to prohibit certain executive branch employees from receiving honoraria for making speeches or writing articles. The Supreme Court upheld the law and the quote in question is from the opinion of Justice William Brennan, Jr.

In the quote, the term "appellant" refers to the individual who brought the case before the court. The phrase "legitimate class of one" is a legal concept that recognizes the unique circumstances of an individual that may justify special treatment or consideration under the law. In this case, the appellant was arguing that the law unfairly targeted a specific group of individuals, and that he, as a member of that group, was being treated differently from others in similar circumstances.

Justice Brennan's use of the term "legitimate class of one" acknowledges the appellant's argument that he was being singled out by the law, and suggests that there may be situations where an individual's circumstances are so unique that they warrant special attention from the courts or from lawmakers. This concept recognizes that the law should not treat individuals unfairly or arbitrarily, and that there may be valid reasons for making exceptions or accommodations for specific individuals or groups.

The quote also refers to "Congress's decision to proceed with dispatch with respect to his materials." This language suggests that the Court recognized the urgency and importance of the issue at hand, and that Congress had valid reasons for acting quickly to address the appellant's concerns. It implies that the appellant's situation warranted prompt attention and action from the legislative branch.

Overall, the quote reflects the Court's acknowledgment of the appellant's unique circumstances and the legitimacy of his claim that he was being unfairly targeted by the law. It also acknowledges the role of Congress in addressing the appellant's concerns and suggests that there may be situations where individuals or groups deserve special consideration or expedited action from the government.

In summary, the quote from Justice Brennan's opinion in "United States v. National Treasury Employees Union" highlights the concept of a "legitimate class of one" and the idea that there may be valid reasons for treating individuals or groups differently under the law. It also underscores the importance of addressing unique circumstances promptly and with due consideration.