I am like a man so busy in letting rooms in one end of his house, that he can't stop to put out the fire that is burning the other.
Abraham LincolnRead
A jury too often has at least one member more ready to hang the panel than to hang the traitor.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the tendency of jurors to prioritize punishing a member of the jury over ensuring a fair trial for the accused.
Abraham Lincoln's quote reflects a critical perspective on the jury system, suggesting that sometimes jurors may be more inclined to judge their peers harshly, prioritizing group cohesion or personal biases over true justice. This observation serves as a reminder of the human biases that can infiltrate legal proceedings, where emotion can overshadow reason and fairness.
Themes
JusticeJuryBiasFairnessTrial
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the fairness of legal trials, one might reference Lincoln's quote to illustrate concerns about juror bias.
More from Abraham Lincoln
All quotes βSir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.
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Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
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How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.
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For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then is due to the soldier.
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And having thus chosen our course, without guile, and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear, and with manly hearts.
Abraham LincolnRead
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