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William Blackstone Quotes

Jurist

William Blackstone, a British jurist, was born on July 10, 1723, and died on February 14, 1780. He is a significant figure in the history of British law, known for his systematic compilation and exposition of the common law of England.

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Famous William Blackstone Quotes

“There is nothing which so generally strikes the imagination, and engages the affections of mankind, as the right of property; or that sole and despotic dominion which one man claims and exercises over the external things of the world, in total exclusion of the right of any other individual in the universe. And yet there are very few, that will give themselves the trouble to consider the original and foundation of this right.”

Source: The Oxford Edition of Blackstone's: Commentaries on the Laws of England: Book II: Of the Rights of Things

“And, lastly, to vindicate these rights, when actually violated and attacked, the subjects of England are entitled, in the first place, to the regular administration and free course of justice in the courts of law; next to the right of petitioning the king and parliament for redress of grievances; and, lastly, to the right of having and using arms for self preservation and defense.”

Source: Commentaries on the Laws of England: Of the Rights of People

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

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Book:Commentaries on the Laws of England

Source: Commentaries on the Laws of England