Political Quotes

Lysander Spooner: If a judge have power to punish for contempt, and to determine for himself what is a contempt, the whole administration…

On the record
If a judge have power to punish for contempt, and to determine for himself what is a contempt, the whole administration of justice (or injustice, if he choose to make it so) is in his hands.
Said by
Lysander Spooner

Editor's note · Context

This highlights the dangers of unchecked judicial power, where a judge can define contempt and control justice.

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There is no more absurdity in giving a jury a veto upon the laws, than there is in giving a veto to each of these other tribunals.

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And nobody is bound to take the least notice of them, unless it be to trample them under foot, as usurpations.

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All those who are not forbidden by law may be judges (jurors).

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It is also sheer impudence, on their part, to assume that their commands are at all necessary to teach other men what is, and what is not, justice.

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