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The civil jury is the most effective form of sovereignty of the people. It defies the aggressions of time and man. During the reigns of Henry VIII (1509-1547) and Elizabeth I (1158-1603), the civil jury did in reality save the liberties of England.
Alexis De Tocqueville
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The civil jury represents the people's ultimate authority and protects their freedoms against tyranny.

This quote emphasizes the significance of the civil jury in upholding democracy and individual rights. By referring to historical figures like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, De Tocqueville illustrates how the jury system has acted as a safeguard against the overreach of power, suggesting that it embodies the will of the people and serves as a cornerstone of liberty in society.

Themes

Civil JurySovereigntyJusticeLibertyDemocracyAuthority

In practice

Example use cases

During a seminar on democracy, one could quote this to emphasize the importance of citizen participation in the judicial system.

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Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
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