And it is one of the most dangerous powers a judge can have, because it gives him absolute authority in a court of justice, and enables him to tyrannize as he pleases over parties, counsel, witnesses, and jurors.
Spooner warns that the power to punish for contempt can lead to tyranny within the judicial system.
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And he can rightfully be held to no greater knowledge of the law than this.
Therefore all their laws, as they call them,--that is, all the laws of their own making,--have no color of authority or obligation.
All other laws, it is optional with each man to obey, or not, as he may choose.
And whenever any number of men, calling themselves a government, do anything to another man, or to his property, which they had no right to do as individuals they thereby declare themselves trespassers, robbers, or murderers, according to…