"Sentence first, verdict afterwards"

This quote by Lewis Carroll is a referral to the legal system and the concept of innocent up until tested guilty. It recommends that a person must be provided the opportunity to discuss themselves before any judgement is passed. This is an important concept in the justice system, as it guarantees that everyone is given a fair trial and that nobody is judged without being offered the chance to safeguard themselves. It also indicates that the verdict needs to be based upon the facts of the case, rather than on presumptions or predispositions. This quote serves as a pointer that everyone should have to be heard which justice must be served relatively and without bias.