They give no reason for their verdict, they can but condemn or acquit; and no man can tell the motives on which they have acquitted or condemned.
Edmund Burke: “They give no reason for their verdict, they can but condemn or acquit; and no man can tell the motives on which they…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke reflects on the nature of jury verdicts and the lack of transparency in their reasoning.
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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.
Our people will find employment enough for a truly patriotic, free, and independent spirit, in guarding what they possess from violation.
Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.
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…





