Yet, when his own rights are actually invaded, the government, which he contributes to support, instead of fulfilling its implied contract, becomes his enemy, and not only refuses to protect his rights, (except at his own cost,) but even forbids him to do it himself.
Spooner criticizes the government for failing to protect rights while also preventing individuals from doing so.
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And he can rightfully be held to no greater knowledge of the law than this.
In that case the trial is really a trial by the government, and not by the jury.
Practically speaking, no government knows any limits to its power, except the endurance of the people.
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?