51 Quotes by William Blackstone

The liberty of the press is indeed essential to the nature of a free state: but this consists in laying no previous restraints upon publications, and not in freedom from censure for criminal matter when published. Every freeman has an undoubted right to lay what sentiments he pleases before the public: to forbid this, is to destroy the freedom of the press: but if he publishes what is improper, mischievous, or illegal, he must take the consequence of his own temerity.

That the king can do no wrong is a necessary and fundamental principle of the English constitution.

The Royal Navy of England hath ever been its greatest defense and ornament; it is its ancient and natural strength; the floating bulwark of the island.

The husband and wife are one, and that one is the husband.

It is better that ten guilty escape than one innocent suffer.

The law, which restrains a man from doing mischief to his fellow citizens, though it diminishes the natural, increases the civil liberty of mankind.

Men was formed for society, and is neither capable of living alone, nor has the courage to do it.

No enactment of man can be considered law unless it conforms to the law of God

The public good is in nothing more essentially interested, than in the protection of every individual's private rights.