James Otis (Massachusetts, 1725-1783)
“It appears to me the worst instrument of arbitrary power, the most destructive of English liberty and the fundamental principles of law, that ever was found in an English law-book. …Every one with this writ may be a tyrant; if this commission be legal, a tyrant in a legal manner, also, may control, imprison, or murder any one within the realm. … Now, one of the most essential branches of English liberty is the freedom of one's house. A man's house is his castle; and whilst he is quiet, he is as well guarded as a prince in his castle.” – James Otis, argument in Paxton’s Case (1761) John Adams (Massachusetts, 1735-1826)
“You and I ... have been sent into life at a time when the greatest lawgivers of antiquity would have wished to live. How few of the human race have ever enjoyed an opportunity of making an election of government, more than of air, soil, or climate, for themselves or their children! When, before the present epoch, had three millions of people full power and a fair opportunity to form and establish the wisest and happiest government that human wisdom can contrive?” -John Adams, Thoughts On Government (1776) |
EMPIRE OF LAWS - The Legal History of the 50 American States > 1. NEW ENGLAND LEGAL HISTORY > 1.1. The Colonial Era and Independence (1620-1787) > 1.1.1 New England (1620-1787): Revolutionary Constitutions > 1.1.2. New England (1620-1787): Slavery in the Colonies >