In the mind of all, fiction, in the logical sense, has been the coin of necessity;โin that of poets of amusementโin that of the priest and the lawyer of mischievous immorality in the shape of mischievous ambition,โand too often both priest and lawyer have framed or made in part this instrument.
Jeremy BenthamWhat else is it that should trace the insuperable line? Is it the faculty of reason or perhaps the faculty of discourse? But a full-grown horse or dog is beyond comparison a more rational, as well as more conversable animal, than an infant of a day or a week or even a month old. But suppose they were otherwise, what would it avail? The question is not, Can they reason?, nor Can they talk? but, Can they suffer? Why should the law refuse its protection to any sensitive being? The time will come when humanity will extend its mantle over everything which breathes.
Jeremy BenthamHow is property given? By restraining liberty; that is, by taking it away so far as necessary for the purpose. How is your house made yours? By debarring every one else from the liberty of entering it without your leave.
Jeremy BenthamThe law of England has established trial by judge and jury in the conviction that it is the mode best calculated to ascertain the truth.
Jeremy Bentham