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I do not see to what purpose we exercise a superintendency over all inferior jurisdictions, unless it be to inspect their proceedings, and see whether they are regular or not. I have often heard it said that nothing shall be presumed one way or the other in an inferior jurisdiction.

— John Pratt Rex v. Cleg (1722)

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More quotes by John Pratt

Is ill-language a justification for blows?

Case of Hugh Reason and another (1722)

What is introductory goes for nothing, but it is in order to explain the evidence.

Layer's Case (1722)

You have a right to discourse with your counsel, but you must do it in such a manner as the jury may not hear.

Layer's Case (1722)

It is dangerous to make a precedent, an innovation.

Layer's Case (1722)

Certainly the opinion of all the Judges of later times, must have more weight than the extra-judicial opinion of a single Judge at any former time.

Layer's Case (1722)

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: John Pratt (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.