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Attorney Quote by Alan Dershowitz

“I think most defense attorneys honestly believe the principle that says, 'Better 10 guilty go free than even one possibly innocent person be convicted.” quote by Alan Dershowitz
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“I think most defense attorneys honestly believe the principle that says, 'Better 10 guilty go free than even one possibly innocent person be convicted.”

Alan Dershowitz

About This Quote

Source Speech: Interview on legal ethics, 2015

The quote stresses the legal principle that protecting the innocent outweighs convicting the guilty, emphasizing a precautionary approach in criminal justice.

In simple terms: Protect the innocent even if some guilty go free.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize safeguarding the innocent.

Themes

justice ethics legal standards

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical legal

When to use this quote

  • criminal trials
  • public defender work
  • policy debates
  • jury deliberations

Key Concepts

due process presumption of innocence risk management

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we measure acceptable risk?
  • When should the principle be reconsidered?
A Different Perspective

Balancing public safety with individual rights can be contentious.

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