The particular phraseology of the Constitution of the United States confirms and strengthens the principle, supposed to be essential to all written constitutions, that a law repugnant to the Constitution is void; and that courts, as well as other departments, are bound by that instrument.

The law does not expect a man to be prepared to defend every act of his life which may be suddenly and without notice alleged against him.

The government of the United States has been emphatically termed a government of laws, and not of men. It will certainly cease to deserve this high appellation, if the laws furnish no remedy for the violation of a vested legal right.

What is it that makes us trust our judges? Their independence in office and manner of appointment.

It is the peculiar province of the legislature to prescribe general rules for the government of society; the application of those rules to individuals in society would seem to be the duty of other departments.

No one imagines that a law professing to tax will be permitted to destroy.

What are the maxims of Democracy? A strict observance of justice and public faith, and a steady adherence to virtue.