Quote#Politics & Power
I have been reminded that I sit here as counsel for the defendant. I…
Quote byLloyd Kenyon, 1st Baron Kenyon · 1732–1802
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Wakefield's Case (1799), 27 How. St. Tr. 736..
English (original)
I have been reminded that I sit here as counsel for the defendant. I certainly do so, so far as to interpose between him and the counsel for the prosecution, and to see that no improper use of the law is made against him, and that no improper evidence is given to the jury: but the Judge has another task to perform, which is that of assisting the jury in the administration of justice.
— Lloyd Kenyon, 1st Baron Kenyon
More from Lloyd Kenyon, 1st Baron Kenyon
The use of cases is to establish principles; if the cases decide different from the principles, I must follow the principles, not the decisions.
There are certain irregularities which are not the subject of criminal law. But when the criminal law happens to be auxiliary to the law of morality, I do not feel any inclination to explain it away.
Modus in rebus—there must be an end of things.
If people with the very best intentions carry on prosecutions that are oppressive, the end may not always perhaps sanctify the means.
What is clear to one man may be doubtful to another.
It is a rule that those who come into a Court of justice to seek redress, must come with clean hands, and must disclose a transaction warranted by law.