The most universal and effectual way of discovering the true meaning of law, when the words are dubious, is by considering the reason and spirit of it; or the cause which moved the legislator to enact it. for when this reason ceased, the law itself ought likewise to cease with it.
William BlackstoneThe third absolute right, inherent in every Englishman, is that of . . . the sacred and inviolable rights of private property.
William Blackstone[Self-defense is] justly called the primary law of nature, so it is not, neither can it be in fact, taken away by the laws of society.
William BlackstoneBy marriage the husband and wife are one person in law, that is, the very being or legal existence of the woman is suspended during marriage.
William BlackstoneThat the king can do no wrong is a necessary and fundamental principle of the English constitution.
William BlackstoneTHIS law of nature, being co-eval with mankind and dictated by God himself, is of course superior in obligation to any other. It is binding over all the globe, in all countries, and at all times: no human laws are of any validity, if contrary to this; and such of them as are valid derive all their force, and all their authority, mediately or immediately, from this original.
William Blackstone