[T]he opinion which gives to the judges the right to decide what laws are constitutional and what not, not only for themselves, in their, own sphere of action, but for the Legislature and Executive also in their spheres, would make the Judiciary a despotic branch.
Thomas Jeffersonletters are not the first, but the last step in the progression from barbarism to civilisation.
Thomas JeffersonPeace and abstinence from European interferences are our objects, and so will continue while the present order of things in America remain uninterrupted.
Thomas JeffersonThe appointment of a woman to office is an innovation for which the public is not prepared, nor I.
Thomas JeffersonBut when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
Thomas JeffersonNo person shall be restrained of his liberty but by regular process from a court of justice, authorized by a general law. . . . On complaint of an unlawful imprisonment to any judge whatsoever, he shall have the prisoner immediately brought before him and shall discharge him if his imprisonment be unlawful. The officer in whose custody the prisoner is shall obey the order of the judge, and both judge and officer shall be responsible civilly and criminally for a failure of duty herein.
Thomas Jefferson