Wherever indeed a right of property is infringed for the…
“Wherever indeed a right of property is infringed for the general good, if the nature of the case admits of compensation, it ought to be made; but if compensation be impracticable, that impracticability ought to be an obstacle to a clearly essential reform.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
When property rights are violated for public benefit, compensation should be provided; if impossible, it should block essential reforms.
In simple terms: Compensation is required for property loss, otherwise reforms stall.
Ensure fair compensation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- urban development
- infrastructure projects
- expropriation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance public need and private loss?
- What alternatives exist when compensation fails?
Compensation may be politically difficult.