It is perfectly apparent from these statutes, and from the oath administered to the justices, that it was a matter freely confessed by the king himself, that his statutes were of no validity, if contrary to the common law, or "common right.
Spooner asserts that the king acknowledged the supremacy of common law over his own statutes.
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All other laws, it is optional with each man to obey, or not, as he may choose.
It was a principle of the Common Law, as it is of the law of nature, and of common sense, that no man can be taxed without his personal consent.
That the legislation of the king was of no authority over a jury, is further proved by the oath taken by the kings at their coronation.
But there is no reason why a judge should have the power of punishing, for contempt, any more than for any other offence.