Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow SECTION VII.: CONSEQUENCE OF THE EXCLUSION THUS PUT UPON EVIDENCE. - The Works of Jeremy Bentham, vol. 6

Return to Title Page for The Works of Jeremy Bentham, vol. 6

Search this Title:

Also in the Library:

Subject Area: Law

SECTION VII.: CONSEQUENCE OF THE EXCLUSION THUS PUT UPON EVIDENCE. - Jeremy Bentham, The Works of Jeremy Bentham, vol. 6 [1843]

Edition used:

The Works of Jeremy Bentham, published under the Superintendence of his Executor, John Bowring (Edinburgh: William Tait, 1838-1843). 11 vols. Vol. 6.

Part of: The Works of Jeremy Bentham, 11 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


SECTION VII.

CONSEQUENCE OF THE EXCLUSION THUS PUT UPON EVIDENCE.

Under the influence of such principles—I mean always, in the first place, the principle which shuts out the light of evidence—which keeps innocence for ever confounded with guilt, and each shade of guilt with every other—it has been impossible to do otherwise than very badly, and not easy to do worse than has been done.

Insolvency and bankruptcy form, in the nature of things, but one case. Who and where is the man who, having it in his power, ought not be made to pay his just debts?—who and where is the man who, being blameless, ought to be punished for not doing what he cannot do?

Insolvency and bankruptcy form, in the nature of things, but one case. It is by the demon of chicane—it is by the sinister interest of the possessors of power, that it has been split into the undistinguished parts, for the designation of which these denominations have been employed.

To the same evil spirits in conjunction may be referred the several corresponding and harmonizing distinctions:—the distinction between non-trader and trader—the distinction between insolvent and bankrupt—between insolvency the condition of the one, and bankruptcy the condition of the other.

Never was technical jargon and sham learning employed to a viler purpose:—never was fouler corruption covered by whitened sepulchres.