Political Quotes

Lysander Spooner: It is alleged that if juries are allowed to judge of the law, they decide the law absolutely; that their decision must…

On the record
It is alleged that if juries are allowed to judge of the law, they decide the law absolutely; that their decision must necessarily stand, be it right or wrong; and that this power of absolute decision would be dangerous in their hands, by reason of their ignorance of the law.
Said by
Lysander Spooner

Editor's note · Context

Spooner addresses concerns about juries having absolute power to decide the law, arguing against the fear of ignorance.

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