Charter Quote by Edmund Burke
““The rights of men, that is to say, the natural rights of mankind, are indeed sacred things; and if any public measure is proved mischievously to affect them, the objection ought to be fatal to that measure, even if no charter at all could be set up against it. If these natural rights are further affirmed and declared by express covenants, if they are clearly defined and secured against chicane, against power, and authority, by written instruments and positive engagements, they are in a still better condition: they partake not only of the sanctity of the object so secured, but of that solemn public faith itself, which secures an object of such importance. . . . The things secured by these instruments may, without any deceitful ambiguity, be very fitly called the chartered rights of men.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Parliament Debate, 1790s
Natural rights are inviolable; any law harming them is illegitimate, especially when codified in written guarantees.
In simple terms: Rights are sacred and must be protected by law.
Key Takeaway
Defend rights through clear, enforceable laws.
Themes
rights
law
government
morality
politics
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- human rights advocacy
- court challenges
- policy reform
Key Concepts
natural rights
social contract
legal theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure rights remain protected against popular pressure?
- What mechanisms best prevent abuse of power?
A Different Perspective
Rights can be overridden by majority rule without safeguards.
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