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It might be pardonable to refuse to defend some men, but to defend them negligently is nothing short of criminal.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Negligently defending someone is a serious moral failure, even if refusing to defend them is understandable.

This quote by Cicero emphasizes the importance of responsibility in one’s actions, especially when dealing with matters of justice. It asserts that while it may be acceptable to not come to the aid of certain individuals, doing so without due diligence or care is an ethical breach, potentially leading to severe consequences not just for the individual in question, but for society as a whole.

Themes

DefenseNegligenceJusticeEthicsResponsibility

In practice

Example use cases

During a law lecture discussing the responsibilities of defense attorneys.

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