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About this quote

What does it mean?
The way a society treats those who break its laws reflects its level of civilization.
In plain terms
How we treat criminals shows how civilized we are.
What can you take from it?
Civilization is measured by fair treatment of offenders.

Where it applies

  • court sentencing
  • prison conditions
  • rehabilitation programs

Putting it to work

  • reform penal systems
  • ensure due process
  • support rehabilitation

Questions to consider

  • What defines a civilized society?
  • How should criminals be treated?

Another view

Public safety concerns sometimes conflict with humane treatment.

More from Rutherford B. Hayes

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  3. Partisanship should be kept out of the pulpit... The blindest of partisans are preachers. All politicians expect and find more candor, fairness, and truth in p…

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