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It is better, so the Fourth Amendment teaches us, that the…

“It is better, so the Fourth Amendment teaches us, that the guilty sometimes go free than the citizens be subject to easy arrest.” quote by William O. Douglas
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“It is better, so the Fourth Amendment teaches us, that the guilty sometimes go free than the citizens be subject to easy arrest.”

William O. Douglas

About This Quote

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

The Fourth Amendment prefers erring on the side of liberty, allowing some guilty to go free rather than imposing easy arrests on citizens.

In simple terms: Liberty is prioritized over aggressive law enforcement.

Key Takeaway

Value civil liberties over convenience.

Themes

law civil rights justice freedom

Mood

critical balanced

Type

legal philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policing policies
  • court rulings
  • public safety debates
  • civil liberty advocacy

Key Concepts

constitutional law criminal procedure

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is the trade‑off worth it?
  • How can we balance safety and freedom?
A Different Perspective

Over‑emphasis on liberty may let dangerous individuals evade justice.

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