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It is better to risk saving a guilty person than to…

“It is better to risk saving a guilty person than to condemn an innocent one.” quote by Voltaire
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“It is better to risk saving a guilty person than to condemn an innocent one.”

Voltaire

About This Quote

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

It is safer to err on the side of mercy, risking a guilty’s freedom rather than condemning an innocent one.

In simple terms: Prefer mercy over wrongful punishment.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize justice and compassion in judgments.

Themes

ethics justice compassion

Mood

serious philosophical

Type

ethical legal

When to use this quote

  • court decisions
  • policy making
  • personal judgments
  • conflict mediation

Key Concepts

moral philosophy legal theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards can prevent condemning the innocent?
  • How do we balance mercy with accountability?
A Different Perspective

Human error can lead to wrongful convictions; mercy may let guilt go unpunished.

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