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...if you wish to tell me what crime I have committed…

“...if you wish to tell me what crime I have committed, explain to me in what a crime consists. For as my conscience does not accuse me, I aver that I am not a criminal.” quote by from the Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas
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““...if you wish to tell me what crime I have committed, explain to me in what a crime consists. For as my conscience does not accuse me, I aver that I am not a criminal.””

from the Man in the Iron Mask by Alexandre Dumas

About This Quote

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

A person should define crime by personal conscience; if conscience is clear, they are not criminal.

In simple terms: Define crime by conscience; if conscience clear, not a criminal.

Key Takeaway

Examine personal conscience before judging actions.

Themes

ethics conscience law personal responsibility philosophy

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

Conscience:1 Crime:1 Ethics:1 Tell Crime:0 Consists Conscience:0 Explain Crime:0 Crime Consists:0

When to use this quote

  • courtroom
  • personal confession
  • ethical debate
  • law school discussion

Key Concepts

moral philosophy legal definition self‑reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does your conscience say about your actions?
  • How do societies define crime beyond personal conscience?
A Different Perspective

May ignore societal norms; conscience can be biased.

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