Crime Quote by Guy Lawson
““Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes reminded us, it is a ‘less evil that some criminals should escape than that the government should play an ignoble part.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander, 2010 (cited in Guy Lawson’s article)
Holmes argued that sometimes letting minor criminals go is preferable to a government acting unjustly, emphasizing the moral cost of state overreach.
In simple terms: It can be better to let some criminals escape than to have the government act immorally.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize limiting government misconduct over strict punishment.
Themes
justice
government ethics
law
morality
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- court decisions
- public protests
- legal reform
Key Concepts
rule of law
civil liberties
state power
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it acceptable to compromise on justice?
- How can societies balance civil liberties with public safety?
A Different Perspective
The quote simplifies complex legal trade‑offs and may ignore victims’ rights.
![“[Oliver Wendell] Holmes never believed in the truth and morality of the laws he was upholding. He said, "I loathe the thick-fingered clowns we call the people."” quote by Jeffrey Rosen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8ea/jeffrey-rosen-13180_clown_oliver-wendell-holmes-never-believed-in_946248.jpg)
