Meaning: The quote "You have been tried by twelve good men and true, not of your peers but as high above you as heaven is of hell, and they have said you are guilty" is attributed to Judge Roy Bean, a colorful and controversial figure in American history. Known as the "Law West of the Pecos," Bean was a saloon-keeper and justice of the peace in Val Verde County, Texas during the late 19th century. His quote reflects a perspective on justice and the legal system that is both thought-provoking and thought to be problematic by some.

The quote suggests that the jury, referred to as "twelve good men and true," is not necessarily a peer group of the accused, but rather a group of individuals who are "as high above you as heaven is of hell." This language suggests a hierarchical view of justice, with the jury being depicted as superior to the accused. The implication is that the jury is in a position of authority and judgment over the accused, and that their decision carries a weight of certainty and righteousness.

The idea of peers in a trial is a fundamental principle of justice in many legal systems, including the United States. The concept of a jury of one's peers is rooted in the idea that individuals facing trial should be judged by a group of their equals, representing a cross-section of the community from which they come. The use of the phrase "not of your peers" in Bean's quote challenges this notion, suggesting that the jury holds a position of superiority over the accused.

The language used in the quote also evokes a sense of divine hierarchy, with the comparison of the jury to a heavenly entity and the accused to a hellish one. This imagery further emphasizes the perceived distance and difference in status between the two parties. The use of such metaphors can be seen as a rhetorical device to underscore the perceived authority and righteousness of the jury's decision.

It is worth noting that while Judge Roy Bean was known for his colorful language and flamboyant personality, his methods of dispensing justice were often unorthodox and controversial. He was known for dispensing his own brand of frontier justice, which sometimes strayed far from established legal norms. As a result, his quote may reflect his own idiosyncratic views on justice and the legal system, rather than a universally accepted principle.

From a modern legal standpoint, the quote raises important questions about the principles of justice, the role of the jury, and the concept of equality before the law. It challenges the traditional notion of a jury of one's peers and raises concerns about the potential for bias and inequality in the legal process.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Judge Roy Bean offers a provocative perspective on the nature of justice and the role of the jury in the legal system. Its language and imagery underscore a perceived hierarchy and authority of the jury over the accused, challenging traditional notions of equality and fairness in the legal process. While the quote reflects the colorful and controversial nature of Judge Roy Bean, it also sparks important discussions about the principles of justice and the need for fairness and equality in the legal system.