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The great principle of Justice: prevent crime rather than…

“The great principle of Justice: prevent crime rather than punish it. All that is needed to execute a guilty man is a firing squad or a hangman. To prevent there being guilty men requires great astuteness.” quote by Augusto Roa Bastos
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“The great principle of Justice: prevent crime rather than punish it. All that is needed to execute a guilty man is a firing squad or a hangman. To prevent there being guilty men requires great astuteness.”

Augusto Roa Bastos

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advocates preventing wrongdoing rather than punishing after the fact, emphasizing foresight over retribution.

In simple terms: Prevent crime, don’t just punish.

Key Takeaway

Focus on prevention.

Themes

justice prevention ethics

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical policy

When to use this quote

  • law enforcement
  • public health
  • education
  • community planning

Key Concepts

criminal law social policy deterrence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What systems can detect crime early?
  • How to balance rights with security?
A Different Perspective

Prevention can be costly and politically difficult.

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