On the record
It is a law that might be held constitutional by a bench of slaveholders, while it would be held unconstitutional by all the inhabitants of a free land.
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gutenberg.orgHorace Mann: “It is a law that might be held constitutional by a bench of slaveholders, while it would be held unconstitutional by all…”
Editor's note · Context
Mann argues that laws can be interpreted differently depending on the political context and the values of the judges.
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More from Horace Mann
Why, fellow-citizens, the ballot is worse than useless, if it be not FREE!
My instincts, reason, judgment, conscience, may all mislead; but from the first time, now years ago, when I heard this subject broached, my instincts, reason, judgment, conscience, have all been in its favor.
Let me read to you the disparaging and contemptuous remark of the address on that great palladium of human liberty, the trial by jury.
The liberty of voting includes all other liberties.
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