Innocent Man quotes

Innocent Man

32 quotes on this topic — from poets, philosophers, and thinkers across history.

32 quotes
Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand Philosopher, Novelist

"There’s no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren’t enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for me to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What’s there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed or enforced nor objectively interpreted - and you create a nation of law-breakers - and then you cash in on guilt."

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Isaac Parker Judge
Innocent Man

"I have ever had the single aim of justice in view. No judge who is influenced by any other consideration is fit for the bench. 'Do equal and exact justice,' is my motto, and I have often said to the grand jury, 'Permit no innocent man to be punished, but let no guilty man escape."

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Innocent Man

"Court games aren't fair. They don't judge men by their worth, and they aren't about what's just. Guilty men can hold power their whole lives and be wept for when they pass. Innocent men can be spent like coins because it's convenient. You don't have to have sinned for them to ruin you. If your destruction is useful to them, you'll be destroyed."

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J. K. Rowling Novelist, Screenwriter
Innocent Man

"I must admit, Peter, I have difficulty in understanding why an innocent man would want to spend twelve years as a rat."

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Marcus Tullius Cicero Politician, Philosopher, Orator
Innocent Man

"An innocent man, if accused, can be acquitted; a guilty man, unless accused, cannot be condemned. It is, however, more advantageous to absolve an innocent than not to prosecute a guilty man."

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