Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “The Habeas Corpus Act supposes, contrary to the genius of most other laws, that the lawful magistrate may see particular…”

On the record
The Habeas Corpus Act supposes, contrary to the genius of most other laws, that the lawful magistrate may see particular men with a malignant eye, and it provides for that identical case.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke critiques the Habeas Corpus Act for allowing magistrates to act with bias against individuals.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

They come from one who has been no tool of power, no flatterer of greatness, and who in his last acts does not wish to belie the tenor of his life.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

I think our happy situation owing to our Constitution,--but owing to the whole of it, and not to any part singly,--owing in a great measure to what we have left standing in our several reviews and reformations, as well as to what we have…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation