In this quote by Thomas Fuller, he uses the metaphor of a fox and a goose to suggest that it is unwise to have someone with a clear bias or conflicting interest involved in making a judgment or decision. Just as a fox, a natural predator of geese, should not serve on a jury deciding the fate of a goose, individuals with personal agendas or conflicts of interest should not be involved in making impartial decisions. This quote serves as a reminder of the importance of fairness and objectivity in any decision-making process.
In his quote, Thomas Fuller emphasizes the importance of impartiality in decision-making. The idea that a biased or self-interested party should not be trusted to make fair judgments is a concept that still holds significance in modern society. Whether in the legal system, politics, or everyday life, the need for unbiased perspectives and fair treatment remains crucial.
The saying "A fox should not be of the jury at a goose's trial" by Thomas Fuller suggests that one should not allow a potentially biased or untrustworthy individual to make important decisions.
The quote "A fox should not be of the jury at a goose's trial" by Thomas Fuller raises important questions about bias and fairness. Consider the following reflection questions:
“The idea that trials are a search for the truth is just a myth. Trials are a search for that which the jury will believe is the truth.”
“The most important moments in a trial are often not seen by a jury. That is because it's one of the judge's main responsibilities to screen what they see and hear, lest they be prejudiced. It's the "you can't unring a bell" theory; once the jury hears something they shouldn't have heard, th trial is forever tainted. If the damage is great enough, a mistrial is the result. Judges basically prefer nuclear war to mistrials.”
“I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury.”
“The jury is supposed to be twelve peers, but technically that would mean every single person on the jury should have Asperger's syndrome, because then they'd really understand me.”
“The trial of Jesus of Nazareth, the trial and rehabilitation of Joan of Arc, any one of the witchcraft trials in Salem during 1691, the Moscow trials of 1937 during which Stalin destroyed all of the founders of the 1924 Soviet REvolution, the Sacco-Vanzetti trial of 1920 through 1927- there are many trials such as these in which the victim was already condemned to death before the trial took place, and it took place only to cover up the real meaning: the accused was to be put to death. These are trials in which the judge, the counsel, the jury, and the witnesses are the criminals, not the accused. For any believer in capital punishment, the fear of an honest mistake on the part of all concerned is cited as the main argument against the final terrible decision to carry out the death sentence. There is the frightful possibility in all such trials as these that the judgement has already been pronounced and the trial is just a mask for murder.”