The air of England is too pure for a slave to breathe, and so everyone who breathes it becomes free. Everyone who comes to this island is entitled to the protection of English law, whatever oppression he may have suffered and whatever may be the colour of his skin.
William Murray, 1st Earl of MansfieldThere is no entering into the secret thoughts of a man's heart.
William Murray, 1st Earl of MansfieldThe law protects nothing in that very respect, in which it is, at the same time, in the eye of the law, a crime.
William Murray, 1st Earl of MansfieldConsider what you think justice requires, and decide accordingly. But never give your reasons; for your judgment will probably be right, but your reasons will certainly be wrong.
William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield