And it is of no consequence to inquire how a government came by this power to punish, whether by prescription, by inheritance, by usurpation. or by delegation from the people's If it have now but got it, the government is absolute.
Spooner states that the origins of governmental power are irrelevant if it is currently absolute.
Share
More from Lysander Spooner
Practically speaking, no government knows any limits to its power, except the endurance of the people.
But there is no reason why a judge should have the power of punishing, for contempt, any more than for any other offence.
And he can rightfully be held to no greater knowledge of the law than this.
All those who are not forbidden by law may be judges (jurors).