Better Quote by William Blackstone
“It is better that ten guilty escape than one innocent suffer.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Commentaries on the Laws of England, 1765
It is preferable that many guilty escape than a single innocent suffers.
In simple terms: Protecting the innocent outweighs punishing the guilty.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize safeguarding the innocent.
Themes
justice
fairness
law
Mood
solemn
thoughtful
Type
legal
ethical
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- policy making
Key Concepts
legal ethics
protective jurisprudence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance justice and mercy?
- What safeguards protect the innocent?
A Different Perspective
Risk of letting many guilty go free; null.
![“Trial by jury is a privilege of the highest and most beneficial nature [and] our most important guardian both of public and private liberty. The liberties of England cannot but subsist so long as this palladium remains sacred and inviolate, not only from all open attacks, ... but also from all…” quote by William Blackstone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f63/william-blackstone-14453_beneficial_trial-by-jury-is-a-privilege-of-the-high_211262.jpg)
