It has been discussed as though the jury trial, to protect a man’s right to himself, were an evil; and as though the sudden seizure, “summary” adjudication, and speedy consignment of a fellow-being to bondage, were too precious a blessing to be put in jeopardy, by submission to twelve good and lawful men.
Mann condemns the perception that jury trials are an evil while the swift seizure of individuals into slavery is seen as acceptable.
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Better be debarred from the privilege of voting at all, than to be mocked with the form, while cheated of the substance.
My instincts, reason, judgment, conscience, may all mislead; but from the first time, now years ago, when I heard this subject broached, my instincts, reason, judgment, conscience, have all been in its favor.
But such largesses to slavery as kings could not afford to give, and the robbery of an entire race of all its rights,--yes, and with authority, too, to make us help commit the robbery,--these are “factitious and imaginary” causes of…
Let me read to you the disparaging and contemptuous remark of the address on that great palladium of human liberty, the trial by jury.
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