Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: The first thing a man under such an accusation owes to the world is to deny the charge; next, to put it to the proof…

On the record
The first thing a man under such an accusation owes to the world is to deny the charge; next, to put it to the proof; and lastly, to let inquiry freely go on.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke outlines the responsibilities of a person accused of wrongdoing, emphasizing the need for denial and inquiry.

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