I can't look to contingencies

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.

The use of cases is to establish principles; if the cases decide different from the principles, I must follow the principles, not the decisions.

Modus in rebus—there must be an end of things.

What is clear to one man may be doubtful to another.

If people with the very best intentions carry on prosecutions that are oppressive, the end may not always perhaps sanctify the means.

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.