An innocent man, if accused, can be acquitted; a guilty…
“An innocent man, if accused, can be acquitted; a guilty man, unless accused, cannot be condemned. It is, however, more advantageous to absolve an innocent than not to prosecute a guilty man.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Cicero argues that justice requires prosecuting the guilty and protecting the innocent, emphasizing legal fairness.
In simple terms: Justice needs both prosecution and protection.
Key Takeaway
Balance legal action with moral duty.
Themes
justice
law
ethics
fairness
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
legal
ethical
When to use this quote
- courtrooms
- law school debates
- policy drafting
Key Concepts
legal theory
moral philosophy
due process
Questions to Reflect On
- How to ensure innocent are defended?
- When should the state intervene?
A Different Perspective
Prosecutorial resources are limited.