Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: Such, for instance, is the spirit of the laws, that, although you cannot directly prove bribery or smuggling in a…

On the record
Such, for instance, is the spirit of the laws, that, although you cannot directly prove bribery or smuggling in a hundred cases where they have been committed, you can prove whether the proper documents, proper cockets, proper entries in regular offices have been observed and performed, or not.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke explains that while direct evidence of wrongdoing may be elusive, adherence to proper procedures can indicate integrity.

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Jan 1, 1790

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But an absurd theory on one side of a question forms no justification for alleging a false fact or promulgating mischievous maxims on the other.

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Though a king may abdicate for his own person, he cannot abdicate for the monarchy.

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