Political Quotes

Lysander Spooner: In criminal cases, the atrocity of accusing a man of crime, and then condemning him unless he prove his innocence at his…

On the record
In criminal cases, the atrocity of accusing a man of crime, and then condemning him unless he prove his innocence at his own charges, is so evident that a jury could rarely, if ever, be justified in convicting a man under such circumstances.
Said by
Lysander Spooner

Editor's note · Context

Spooner argues against the presumption of guilt in criminal cases, emphasizing the burden of proof.

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