Top 15 Edward Law, 1st Baron Ellenborough Quotes

The greater the truth the greater the libel.

It is of the greatest importance that the administration of justice should not only be free from spot or blame, but that it should be, so far as human infirmity could allow it to become, as free from all suspicion.

It is difficult to struggle with the common law.

It is a principle of law, that a person intends to do that which is the natural effect of what he does.

I am as jealous of the rights of juries as of those of the Court.

As a general rule, I beg that it may be understood, that a case is not to be cut into parts, but that when it is known what the question in issue is, it must be met at once.

I am willing to put the case into any shape you choose.

It has been sometimes said, communis error facit jus; but I say communis opinio is evidence of what the law is; not where it is an opinion merely floating and theoretical floating in the minds of persons but where it has been made the ground-work and substratum of practice.

I wish that objections to questions as leading, might be a little better considered before they are made. It is necessary, to a certain extent, to lead the mind of the witness to the subject of inquiry. If questions are asked, to which the answer "Yes" or "No" would be conclusive, they would certainly be objectionable, but in general no objections are more frivolous than those which are made to questions as leading ones.

No man can make a stable-yard of the King's highway.

I will not suffer the Christian religion to be reviled, while I sit in this Court, and possess the power of preventing it.

Cock-fighting must be considered a barbarous diversion.

The law merchant respects the religion of different people.

I know but of one Being to whom error may not be imputed.

There have been errors in the administration of the most enlightened men.