No one familiar with the common law of England can read the Constitution of the United States without observing the great desire of the Convention which framed that instrument to make it conform as far as possible with that law. Samuel Freeman Miller commonconformconstitution share on social
History teaches us, in no mistaken language, how often customs and practices, which were originated without lawful warrant, and opposed to the sound construction of the law, have come to overload and pervert it, as commentators on the text of Holy Scripture have established doctrines wholly at variance with its true spirit. Samuel Freeman Miller commentatorconstructioncustom share on social
The value of a decision as a precedent is very much enhanced by the care with which it has been considered, and if the opinion itself shows that other decisions of the same court, or of other courts upon the same point, have been reviewed and examined, it adds to the value of the decision made on each consideration. Samuel Freeman Miller addcareconsider share on social
No branch of the law is of more importance to the counsellor, the statesman, or the citizen, than a thorough acquaintance with the Constitution and laws of the Federal Government, as they are administered and as they affect the rights of the people. Samuel Freeman Miller acquaintanceadministeraffect share on social
Of all the powers conferred upon government, that of taxation is most liable to abuse. Samuel Freeman Miller abuseconfergovernment Change image and share on social
Custody and guardianship by the parent of his child does not arise under the Constitution, laws or treaties of the United States and is not dependent on them. Samuel Freeman Miller arisechildconstitution Change image and share on social
The Supreme Court, once in existence, cannot be abolished, because its foundation is not in an act of the legislative department of the Government, but in the Constitution of the United States. Samuel Freeman Miller abolishactconstitution Change image and share on social
The Constitution of the United States, like all systems of government which are permanent, had its origin in the history and necessities of the people through whose instrumentality and for whose benefit it was formed. Samuel Freeman Miller benefitconstitutionform share on social
As a general rule, governments are unlimited in their powers. All free governments, perhaps all other governments, are entitled in some shape or other to make laws and to repeal or amend them. Samuel Freeman Miller amendentitlefree Change image and share on social
A vile and overbearing temper becomes sometimes, in one long accustomed to the exercise of power, unendurable to those who are subject to its humors. Samuel Freeman Miller accustomexercisehumor Change image and share on social