Of one thing, however, I am certain. Just as an execution without adequate safeguards is unacceptable, so too is an execution when the condemned prisoner can prove that he is innocent. The execution of a person who can show that he is innocent comes perilously close to simple murder.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the ethical obligation to prevent wrongful executions, equating them to murder.
Harry A. Blackmun argues that executions must be carried out with stringent safeguards to ensure that innocent individuals are not inadvertently killed. He highlights the moral dilemma faced when a condemned prisoner can demonstrate their innocence, suggesting that proceeding with such an execution is akin to committing murder. This reflects a deep concern for justice and the value of human life.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the death penalty and wrongful convictions in a law class.
I cannot see any of these death penalty cases where there hasn't been a violation on the ground of either poverty or race. If we can ever get that straightened out, it will help. But, of course, the real answer to it is to do away with the death penalty.
From this day forward, I no longer shall tinker with the machinery of death. ... I fell morally and intellectually obligated simply to concede that the death penalty experiment has failed.
The right of an individual to conduct intimate relationships in the intimacy of his or her own home seems to me to be the heart of the Constitutions protection of privacy.
From this day forward, I no longer shall tinker with the machinery of death.
In order to get beyond racism, we must first take account of race. There is no other way. And in order to treat some persons equally, we must treat them differently.
I hope you will be yourself, human, even a little sentimental, possessed of a sense of humor and a sense of humility. . . . There are arrogant people in this world and, what is worse, arrogant judges.
Justice remains the greatest power on earth. To that tremendous power alone will we submit.
Justice for crimes against humanity must have no limitations.
My cause was justice, not vengeance. My work is for a better tomorrow and a more secure future for our children and grandchildren.
I know that every trial requires fairness and truth. Any trial that abandons the pursuit of truth cannot be considered fair or just.
If you don't like affirmative action, what is your plan to guarantee a level playing field of opportunity?
Mr. Sessions' conduct as a U.S. Attorney, from his politically-motivated voting fraud prosecutions to his indifference toward criminal violations of civil rights laws, indicated that he lacks the temperament, fairness and judgment to be a federal judge.
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