[5]
Indeed, as in some places truth appears to have but little foundation to rest upon, and but
little vigour, so in this place unpopularity arising on false grounds ought to be powerless.
Let it have sway in assemblies, but let it be overthrown in courts of justice; let it
influence the opinions and conversation of ignorant men, but let it be rejected by the
dispositions of the wise; let it make sudden and violent attacks, but when time for
examination is given, and when the facts are ascertained, let it die away. Lastly, let that
definition of impartial tribunals which has been handed down to us from our ancestors be still
retained; that in them crimes are punished without any regard being had to the popularity or
unpopularity of the accused party; and unpopularity is got rid of without any crime being
supposed to have been ever attached to it.
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