For every crime that comes before him, a judge is required to complete a perfect syllogism in which the major premise must be the general law; the minor, the action that conforms or does not conform to the law; and the conclusion, acquittal or punishment. If the judge were constrained, or if he desired to frame even a single additional syllogism, the door would thereby be opened to uncertainty.


On Crimes and Punishments (ed. Pearson College Division, 1963) - ISBN: 9780023913600

Cesare Beccaria Quotes

For every crime that comes before him, a judge is required to complete a perfect syllogism in which the major premise must be the general law; the...

For every crime that comes before him, a judge is required to complete a perfect syllogism in which the major premise must be the general law; the...

For every crime that comes before him, a judge is required to complete a perfect syllogism in which the major premise must be the general law; the...

For every crime that comes before him, a judge is required to complete a perfect syllogism in which the major premise must be the general law; the...