On the record
But when the magistrate gives up his office and his duty, the people assume it, and they inquire too much and too irreverently, because they think their representatives do not inquire at all.
Said by
Edmund Burke
Source
gutenberg.orgEdmund Burke: “But when the magistrate gives up his office and his duty, the people assume it, and they inquire too much and too…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke warns that when officials neglect their duties, the public may take matters into their own hands, leading to excessive scrutiny.
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