The King himself should be under no man, but under God and the Law.
Edward CokeRead
Those who consent to the act and those who do it shall be equally punished.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Both the instigator and the perpetrator of a wrongdoing bear the same responsibility and consequences.
This quote emphasizes the idea of accountability in actions, indicating that both those who encourage or consent to an immoral act and those who actually carry it out should face equal penalties. It underlines the moral responsibility individuals hold, demonstrating that passivity in the face of wrongdoing is as culpable as direct involvement.
Themes
AccountabilityJusticeResponsibilityMoralityPunishment
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about workplace harassment, emphasizing that both the harasser and the bystander must be held accountable.
More from Edward Coke
All quotes βFor a man's house is his castle, et domus sua cuique tutissimum refugium [and one's home is the safest refuge to everyone].
Edward CokeRead
There be three kinds of unhappie men. 1. Qui scit & non docet, Hee that hath knowledge and teacheth not. 2. Qui docet & non vivit, He that teacheth, and liveth not thereafter. 3. Qui nescit, & non interrogat, He that knoweth not, and doth not enquire to understand.
Edward CokeRead
No man can be a compleat Lawyer by universalitie of knowledge without experience in particular cases, nor by bare experience without universalitie of knowledge; he must be both speculative & active, for the science of the laws, I assure you, must joyne hands with experience.
Edward CokeRead
It is the worst oppression, that is done by colour of justice
Edward CokeRead
So as grave and learned men may doubt, without any imputation to them; for the most learned doubteth most, and the more ignorant for the most part are the more bold and peremptory.
Edward CokeRead
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