Justice Quote by William Donaldson
““King- Hamilton, Judge Alan ( b 1900 )'...I think he erred on the side of severity when he gave Janie Jones, the notorious madame, seven years after the jury had acquitted her'. 'Well, these things are relative of course. It all depends on what you've been acquitted of. Miss Jones was innocent of a very serious offence.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: BBC Radio 4, 1995
A judge’s harsh sentence can seem excessive when the convicted was later found innocent of a serious crime, highlighting the relativity of justice.
In simple terms: Severity feels unfair if later innocence is revealed.
Key Takeaway
Consider context before judging severity.
Themes
justice
severity
relativity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- court sentencing
- appeals
- public opinion
- media coverage
Key Concepts
legal ethics
judicial discretion
Questions to Reflect On
- How does new evidence affect perceived fairness?
- Should judges anticipate possible reversals?
A Different Perspective
Severity may be justified by law even if later facts change.
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
