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Guilty Quote by Livy

“It is better that a guilty man should not be brought to trial than that he should be acquitted.” quote by Livy
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“It is better that a guilty man should not be brought to trial than that he should be acquitted.”

Livy

About This Quote

Source Historical Text: Ab Urbe Condita, Book 5, 2nd century BC

A guilty person avoiding trial is preferable to risking an innocent acquittal, emphasizing caution in justice.

In simple terms: Better to avoid convicting the guilty than to let the innocent go free.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize rigorous evidence before trial.

Themes

justice fairness legal caution

Mood

serious reflective

Type

ethical legal

When to use this quote

  • court proceedings
  • criminal investigations
  • legislative reforms

Key Concepts

due process presumption of innocence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance protecting the innocent with punishing the guilty?
  • What safeguards ensure fair trials?
A Different Perspective

Risk of letting guilty individuals evade accountability.

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