Taking the judgment of the peers in the matter, would have been only a ridiculous and useless formality, if they were to exercise no discretion or conscience of their own, independently of the laws of the king.
Spooner argues that if juries were bound by the king's laws, their judgment would lack true independence.
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More from Lysander Spooner
The will, or the pretended will, of the majority, is the last lurking place of tyranny at the present day.
All other laws, it is optional with each man to obey, or not, as he may choose.
When two men meet one upon the highway, or in the wilderness, have they a right to dispose of his life, liberty, or property at their pleasure, simply because they are the more numerous party?
Juries would refuse to enforce a tax against a man who had never agreed to pay it.