"None of the modes by which a magistrate is appointed, popular election, the accident of the lot, or the accident of birth, affords, as far as we can perceive, much security for his being wiser than any of his neighbours"
- Thomas Babington
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Babington is referring to the visit of a magistrate, or a public authorities with the power to enforce laws. Babington is suggesting that none of the 3 approaches of designating a magistrate - popular election, the mishap of the lot, or the mishap of birth - supply much security that the magistrate will be smarter than their neighbours. To put it simply, Babington is indicating that none of these approaches can ensure that the magistrate will be sensible or educated enough to make sound choices. This is likely due to the fact that popular election can be swayed by public opinion, the mishap of the lot is random, and the accident of birth is based on lineage rather than merit. Therefore, Babington is suggesting that none of these approaches can ensure that the magistrate will be wise or well-informed sufficient to make noise choices.
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