"I derive no pleasure from prosecuting a man, even though I know he's guilty; do you think I could sleep at night or look at myself in the mirror in the morning if I hounded an innocent man?"
- Jim Garrison
About this Quote
This quote by Jim Garrison speaks with the ethical responsibility of a prosecutor. He is revealing his hesitation to prosecute somebody, even if he understands they are guilty, due to the fact that of the capacity for an innocent individual to be wrongfully convicted. He is questioning whether he could cope with himself if he were to pursue a case versus somebody who is innocent. He is indicating that he would not be able to take a look at himself in the mirror or sleep in the evening if he were to do something so ethically incorrect. This quote talks to the importance of justice and the need for district attorneys to be sure of an individual's guilt prior to pursuing a case. It likewise speaks with the requirement for prosecutors to be held liable for their actions and to be knowledgeable about the repercussions of their decisions.
"A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act"
"Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own; and from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, it is but a succession of changes so gentle and easy that we can scarcely mark their progress"
