Sparks Commentary

“Treason, proditio , in its very name (which is borrowed from the French ) imports a betraying, treachery, or breach of faith. It therefore ...

“Of crimes injurious to the persons of private subjects, the most principal and important is the offence of taking away that life , which is...

“I proceed in the next place to consider the general nature of punishments : which are evils or inconveniences consequent upon crimes and m...

“You've listened to a long and complex case, murder in the first degree. Premeditated murder is the most serious charge tried in our c...

The Constitution itself, and the story behind it

Debates over the Constitution, then and since

“The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason, but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfei...

"A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not...

"A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime, who shall flee justice, and be found in another state, shall, on...

"The principle that there is a  presumption of innocence in favor of the accused  is the undoubted law, axiomatic and elementary, and...

"Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God , that he owes account to none other for his ...

"Before he [the president] enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation: I do solemnly swear...

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Evelyn Beatrice Hall , in a statement o...

"Therefore, I shall resign the presidency effective at noon tomorrow. Vice President Ford will be sworn in as President at that hour...

"Treason against the United States shall consist only in  levying war against them , or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid...

"It has been frequently remarked that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country, by their conduct and example, to ...

Great Seal of the United States As I set out to write a general post about the  Constitution of my country , I have the problem of a...

"The judicial power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme court , and in such inferior courts as the Congress may, fro...

"The enumeration [or "listing"] in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others ...