William Blackstone
William Blackstone was an influential English jurist and legal scholar, best known for his seminal work, "Commentaries on the Laws of England," published in the 1760s. This comprehensive four-volume treatise laid the foundation for the common law system and became a cornerstone of legal education in England and America. Blackstone's writings not only systematized English law but also made it accessible to a broader audience, significantly shaping the understanding of legal principles and rights during a time of great political change. His emphasis on the importance of individual rights and the rule of law resonated with the Enlightenment ideals of his era, influencing both legal thought and the development of constitutional law.
Famous Quotes
View all 7 quotes“The liberty of the press is indeed essential to the nature of a free state: but this consists in laying no previous restraints upon publications, and not in freedom from censure for criminal matter when published. Every freeman has an undoubted right to lay what sentiments he pleases before the public: to forbid this, is to destroy the freedom of the press: but if he publishes what is improper, mischievous, or illegal, he must take the consequence of his own temerity.””
“Free men have arms; slaves do not.””
“All presumptive evidence of felony should be admitted cautiously; for the law holds it better that ten guilty persons escape, than that one innocent party suffer.””
