In keeping people straight, principle is not as powerful as a policeman. – Abel Hermant, Le Bourgeois, 1906

Only the man who has enough good in him to feel the justice of the penalty can be punished. – William Ernest Hocking

It is well-nigh obvious that those who are in favor of the death penalty have more affinities with murderers than those who oppose it. – Remy de Gourmont

Judges are but men, and are swayed like other men by vehement prejudices. This is corruption in reality, give it whatever other name you please. – David Dudley Field