But I really think it's a very unfortunate part of our judicial system and I would feel much, much better if more states would really consider whether they think the benefits outweigh the very serious potential injustice, because in these cases the emotions are very, very high on both sides and to have stakes as high as you do in these cases, there is a special potential for error. We cannot ignore the fact that in recent years a disturbing number of inmates on death row have been exonerated.
Interpretation
The quote discusses the potential flaws and high stakes in the judicial system, particularly regarding the death penalty and wrongful convictions.
John Paul Stevens expresses concern about the death penalty's implications within the judicial system, emphasizing the emotional intensity surrounding such cases. He highlights the risk of serious error given the high stakes involved, pointing to the alarming trend of wrongful convictions, especially among death row inmates. Stevens advocates for a careful reevaluation of the death penalty, urging states to weigh its benefits against the possibility of irreversible injustice.
In practice
A law professor discussing the implications of the death penalty in class might use this quote.
It might be added that corporations have no consciences, no beliefs, no feelings, no thoughts, no desires. Corporations help structure and facilitate the activities of human beings, to be sure, and their ‘personhood’ often serves as a useful legal fiction. But they are not themselves members of ‘We the People’ by whom and for whom our Constitution was established.
But I wound like people to think I was an honest judge and a good judge. And I always tried the reach the best result in every case.
It is not our job to apply laws that have not yet been written.
I think this country would be much better off if we did not have capital punishment.... We cannot ignore the fact that in recent years a disturbing number of inmates on death row have been exonerated.
While money is used to finance speech, money is not speech.
For over 200 years after the adoption of the Second Amendment, it was uniformly understood as not placing any limit on either federal or state authority to enact gun control legislation.
If it be not a sin, an open, flagrant violation of all the rules of justice and humanity, to hold these slaves in bondage, it is indeed folly to put ourselves to any trouble and expense in order to free them.
I can't identify a race of people in this country who are more committed to the health of this country, who believe more in the Constitution, who believe more in equality and liberation and fairness to everyone else than black people.
Those who consent to the act and those who do it shall be equally punished.
Discrimination in virtually every aspect of political, economic, and social life is now perfectly legal if you've been labeled a felon.
I am asking that every American everywhere, in every state, in every zip code have the same opportunities and the same right to live.
I knew then and I know now, when it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.