Read these sentences from the closing paragraph of Justice Brandeis's opinion.

Crime is contagious. If the Government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law ... To declare that the Government may commit crimes in order to secure the conviction of a private criminal would bring terrible retribution. Against that pernicious doctrine this Court should resolutely set its face.

What special connotation do the words contagious and breeds add to these sentences?

Contagious and breeds connote that crime must be stopped by any means necessary.

Contagious and breeds connote that crime can multiply and spread like a disease.

Contagious and breeds connote that the government itself is responsible for crime.

Contagious and breeds connote that Brandeis distrusts the government to end crime.

Question

English

Kenzie Garrett

19 March, 23:52

Read these sentences from the closing paragraph of Justice Brandeis's opinion.

Crime is contagious. If the Government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law ... To declare that the Government may commit crimes in order to secure the conviction of a private criminal would bring terrible retribution. Against that pernicious doctrine this Court should resolutely set its face.

What special connotation do the words contagious and breeds add to these sentences?

Contagious and breeds connote that crime must be stopped by any means necessary.

Contagious and breeds connote that crime can multiply and spread like a disease.

Contagious and breeds connote that the government itself is responsible for crime.

Contagious and breeds connote that Brandeis distrusts the government to end crime.

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Answers (1)

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Preston Lynch · Answer 1

Based on the given excerpt above taken from Justice Brandeis's opinion, the special connotation that the words "contagious" and "breeds" adds to these sentences is contagious and breeds connote that crime can multiply and spread just like a disease. The answer to this would be the second option.