But suppose it past,—suppose one of these men, as I have…
““But suppose it past,—suppose one of these men, as I have seen them meagre with famine, sullen with despair, careless of a life which your lordships are perhaps about to value at something less than the price of a stocking-frame ; suppose this man surrounded by those children for whom he is unable to procure bread at the hazard of his existence, about to be torn for ever from a family which he lately supported in peaceful industry, and which it is not his fault than he can no longer so support; suppose this man—and there are ten thousand such from whom you may select your victims,—dragged into court to be tried for this new offence, by this new law,—still there are two things wanting to convict and condemn him, and these are, in my opinion, twelve butchers for a jury, and a Jefferies for a judge!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker critiques a legal system that punishes the poor while protecting the powerful, exposing societal injustice.
In simple terms: Legal systems can be biased against the vulnerable.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for equitable justice.
Themes
justice
inequality
law
power
society
Mood
critical
somber
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- courtrooms
- policy debates
- activism
- public discourse
- education
Key Concepts
social critique
legal ethics
class oppression
Questions to Reflect On
- What reforms could reduce bias?
- Who benefits from current laws?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched systems is difficult.