Accused Quote by E. P. Thompson
“Jurors have found, again and again, and at critical moments, according to what is their sense of the rational and just. If their sense of justice has gone one way, and the case another, they have found "against the evidence," ... the English common law rests upon a bargain between the Law and the people: The jury box is where the people come into the court: The judge watches them and the people watch back. A jury is the place where the bargain is struck. The jury attends in judgment, not only upon the accused, but also upon the justice and the humanity of the Law.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public lecture on jury role, date unknown
Juries embody the public’s sense of fairness, balancing law and community values, and can override evidence when justice demands.
In simple terms: Juries reflect public fairness and can overrule evidence.
Key Takeaway
Respect the jury’s role in justice.
Themes
justice
law
democracy
community
fairness
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- court trials
- policy debates
- public hearings
- media commentary
Key Concepts
social contract
collective judgment
legal philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does public sentiment shape legal outcomes?
- When should evidence be overridden?
A Different Perspective
Juries may be swayed by bias or emotion, limiting objectivity.
