On the record
Since the jury alone can give the judgment, or sentence, we infer that they must try the case; because otherwise they would be incompetent, and would have no moral right, to give judgment.
Said by
Lysander Spooner
Source
gutenberg.orgLysander Spooner: “Since the jury alone can give the judgment, or sentence, we infer that they must try the case; because otherwise they…”
Editor's note · Context
Spooner emphasizes the necessity of jury involvement in trials to ensure their competence and moral authority.
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More from Lysander Spooner
Any restriction upon the exercise of this right is a restriction upon his rightful power of providing for, and accomplishing, his own well-being.
What else than ignorance of the law is it that excuses persons under the years of discretion, and men of imbecile minds?
It was simply, that they would neither convict the innocent, nor acquit the guilty.
And he can rightfully be held to no greater knowledge of the law than this.