I've never hanged a man. It is the law that has done it.
I am the most misunderstood and misrepresented of men. Misrepresented because misunderstood.
I have ever had the single aim of justice in view. No judge who is influenced by any other consideration is fit for the bench. 'Do equal and exact justice,' is my motto, and I have often said to the grand jury, 'Permit no innocent man to be punished, but let no guilty man escape.
The object of punishment is to... lift the man up; to stamp out his bad nature and wicked disposition.