Charles Sumner: “Where any language is open to two constructions, one beneficent and…”

On the record

Where any language is open to two constructions, one beneficent and the other odious, that which is odious must be rejected.

Said by

Massachusetts

Source

Sumner emphasizes the importance of rejecting harmful interpretations of language in legal contexts.

More from Charles Sumner

Working-men of Europe, desire abolition of war, XVIII. 236.

Slave Power, necessity of political action against the, II. 207.

Sovereignty of, belongs to the people, XVI. 28.

Consent of the governed necessary in forming new governments of, XII. 298.

Other voices in this conversation

Charles Sumner: “Where any language is open to two constructions, one beneficent and the other odious, that which is odious must be…”