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Often appears with: crime and punishment · justice as a virtue · contracts, oaths, and obligation · equity, mercy, and pardon · custom and unwritten law · counsel and advisers to rulers · censorship and the press · public finance and debt · forms of government · political legitimacy and consent · diplomacy and embassies · judges and legal authority
Usually: detachment (327) · narrative (263) · argument (255) · injustice endured (255) · indignation (165) · skepticism (121) · exhortation (77) · censure (72) · the test or trial (60) · curiosity (60)
“Felony is a term of loose signification, even in the common law of England; and of various import in the statute law of that kingdom.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · observation
“But it does not follow that the re-examination of a fact once ascertained by a jury, will be permitted in the Supreme Court.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · observation
“This view of the matter, at any rate, puts it out of all doubt that the supposed ABOLITION of the trial by jury, by the operation of this provision, is fallacious and untrue.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · observation
“Lord Mansfield, one of the counsel rose, and beckoning me took me into the clerk's chamber, while the lawyers were pleading, and asked me if I was really of opinion that no injury would be done the proprietary estate in the execution of the act.” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · observation
“That to leave the Negro helpless and without a ballot to-day is to leave him not to the guidance of the best, but rather to the exploitation and debauchment of the worst; that this is no truer of the South than of the North,—of the North than of Europe: in any land, in any country under modern free competition, to lay any class of weak and despised people, be they white, black, or blue, at the political mercy of their stronger, richer, and more resourceful fellows, is a temptation which human nature seldom has withstood and seldom will withstand.” W. E. B. Du Bois (William Edward Burghardt Du Bois), The Souls of Black Folk · insight
“We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” W. E. B. Du Bois (William Edward Burghardt Du Bois), The Souls of Black Folk · precept
“Full heavy year was this. The man that had any property, was bereaved of it by violent guilds and violent moots. The man that had not, was starved with hunger.” (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle; translator/editor) James Ingram, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle · observation
“After the murder of Geta, the Præfect was commanded to exert the powers of his skill and eloquence in a studied apology for that atrocious deed.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · observation
“That it was easier to commit than to justify a parricide,” was the glorious reply of Papinian; who did not hesitate between the loss of life and that of honor.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · precept
“Raising his eyes towards the Sun, made a solemn profession of his own innocence, in the presence of that all-seeing Deity.” Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · vivid
“But an elected magistrate can neither be cashiered nor promoted. All elective functions are inalienable until their term is expired.” Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America — Volume 1 · observation
“The courts of justice are the only possible medium between the central power and the administrative bodies; they alone can compel the elected functionary to obey, without violating the rights of the elector.” Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America — Volume 1 · insight
The passage gives Qur'anic legal instructions for writing and witnessing debts, avoiding harm to witnesses or writers, handling pledged property on journeys, and affirming accountability to God.
Fear the day wherein ye shall return to God: then shall every soul be rewarded according to its desert, and none shall have injustice done to them. O ye who believe! when ye contract a debt (payable) at a fixed date, write it down, and let the notary faithfully note between you: and let not the notary refuse to note, even as God hath taught him; but let him note it down, and let him who oweth the debt dictate, and l…
Includes translator’s/footnote explanations about a scandal involving Ayesha, related figures such as Safwan Ibn al-Mu‘attal and Abdallah ibn Ubay, and notes on Islamic legal customs and prohibitions.
3 Comp. Numb. v. ii, 31, with which Muhammad must have been acquainted. 4 The rumour of improper intimacy between Ayesha and Safwan Ibn El Moattal, during Muhammad's return from the expedition against the tribe of Mostaliq (an. Hej. 9), in which he was separated from her for an entire day, which she passed in the company of Safwan, who had found her when accidentally left behind. Verses 4-26 were revealed shortly af…
The passage continues Sura V with rulings against disbelievers, judicial fairness, instructions to judge by God’s revelation, and a series of comparisons among God’s law, Torah, and the Quran.
that the sovereignty of the Heavens and of the Earth is God's? He chastiseth whom He will, and whom He will He forgiveth. And God hath power over all things. O Apostle! let not those who vie with one another in speeding to infidelity vex thee;-of those who say with their mouths, "We believe," but whose hearts believe not;-or of the Jews listeners to a lie-listeners to others-but who come not to thee. They shift the …
After meeting Lord and Navy officials, Pepys troubles over delayed appointments and then receives comfort from news that Barlow may not execute a post; he also makes arrangements with a clerk.
proxime futuris interesse non possit; placet vobis ut dictus S. P. admissionem suam necnon creationem recipiat ad gradum Magistri in Artibus sub pepsona Timothei Wellfit, Inceptoris, &c. &c.--June 26, 1660.] 9th. To the Navy-office, where in the afternoon we met and sat, and there I begun to sign bills in the Office the first time. [The Navy Office was erected on the site of Lumley House, formerly belonging to the F…
Pepys delivers Nicholas’s and Coventry’s plate from a goldsmith to Whitehall and waits for Council action, then learns the powers he drafted have been granted.
first time there, my Lord Montagu, my Lord Barkley, Mr. Coventry, and all the rest of the principal Officers and Commissioners, except only the Controller, who is not yet chosen. 13th. Up early, the first day that I put on my black camlett coat with silver buttons. To Mr. Spong, whom I found in his night-gown writing of my patent. It being done, we carried it to Worcester House, [The Earls of Worcester had a larg…
Pepys describes Westminster Abbey and church appointments, news and proceedings against regicides at the Sessions House and later executions at Charing Cross and other sites, mixing court, theatre, and reform details.
an account of the stacions and victualls of the fleet, in order to the choosing of a fleet fit for him to take to sea, to bring over the Queen. 7th (Lord's day). To White Hall on foot, calling at my father's to change my long black cloake for a short one (long cloakes being now quite out); but he being gone to church, I could not get one. I heard Dr. Spurstow preach before the King a poor dry sermon; [William Spur…
At St James’s and around the ’Change Pepys discusses Turner’s trials and execution prospects, describes a Quaker confrontation with the King, and hears about condemned plotters including Captain Oates.
Trials.] is found guilty of felony and burglary: and strange stories of his confidence at the barr, but yet great indignation in his arguing. All desirous of his being hanged. 20th. My Lord Sandwich did seal a lease for the house he is now taking in Lincoln's Inn Fields, which stands him in 250l. per annum rent. Sir Richard Ford told me that Turner is to be hanged to-morrow, and with what impudence he hath carried…
Pepys records political and naval tensions after an indemnity act, talks court and public business with Sir G. Carteret and Sir W. Coventry, sends money to the fleet, and notes crowding and hardships of pressed prisoners.
talk very rationally to me, insomuch that I took more pleasure this night in hearing him discourse, than I ever did in my life in any thing that he said. 6th. I believe not less than one thousand people in the streets. But it is a pretty thing to observe that both there and every where else, a man shall see many women now-a-days of mean sort in the streets, but no men; men being so afraid of the press. I dined wit…
At a wedding Pepys hears sharp criticism from generals about fleet expenses and negligence; Coventry replies in defence of himself and Pepys, comparing their stance to Falstaff’s blunt retort to a prince.
and quietly as we can. He seems to be very apprehensive that the Parliament will be troublesome and inquisitive into faults; but seems not to value them as to himself. 28th. To the wedding of Mr. Longracke, our purveyor, a civil man, and hath married a sober, serious mayde; but the whole company was very simple and innocent. Sir W. Coventry did read me a letter from the Generalls to the King, a most scurvy letter,…
Early October 1666 Pepys works on lists of ships for a Parliament committee, attends examinations, argues about the King’s reduced power under scrutiny, and hears reports about ruined book sellers and accusations of cheating the King.
make them a courageous speech, which he says he may do (the City of London being now burned, and himself master of an army) better than any prince before him. 5th. The Sub-committee have made their report to the Grand Committee, and in pretty kind terms. Captain Cocke told me of a wild motion made in the House of Lords by the Duke of Buckingham, for all men that have cheated the King to be declared traitors and fe…
Pepys discusses Parliament and prisoner releases with Sir George Downing, reports that the King’s party hindered a bill for money with new proposals, and then hears that payments will follow earlier forms once money is raised.
wholly to the unpreparedness of the King's own party, to make their demand and choice; for they have obstructed the giving it by land-tax, which had been done long since. 28th. To White Hall; where, though it blows hard and rains hard, yet the Duke of York is gone a-hunting. We therefore lost our labour, and so to get things ready against dinner at home, and at noon comes my Lord Hinchingbroke, Sir Thomas Crewe, M…
Pepys attends Mr. Lilly’s pictures and sees “The Maiden Queen,” then at Exeter House hears a cause argued against Sir Robert Wiseman, feeling uncertain until the judge delays decision to tomorrow.
which indeed the more I see the more I like, and is an excellent play, and so done by Nell her merry part, as cannot be better done in nature. 26th. To Exeter House, where the Judge was sitting, and there heard our cause pleaded; Sir -- Turner, Sir W. Walker, and Sir Ellis Layton being our counsel against Sir Robert Wiseman [D.C.L. King's Advocate 1669.] on the other. The second of our three counsel was the best,…
Pepys attends the body of a slain man found with dice and picklocks, hears a drunk assailant’s weapon details, sees the corpse at church, and then drives toward Clerkenwell, missing the Duchess of Newcastle.
be but the two Fieldings? one whereof, Bazill, was page to my Lady Sandwich; and he hath killed the other, himself being very drunk, and so is sent to Newgate. 10th. At noon to Kent's, at the Three Tuns Tavern: and there the constable of the parish did show us the picklocks and dice that were found in the dead man's pocket, and but 18d. in money; and a table-book, wherein were entered the names of several places w…
Pepys sends gold to be turned into silver to cover obligations, hears reports of barristers and students at Gray’s Inn rebelling against benchers, and then hears commissioners for the Treasury were named.
are the Lord Chancellor, the two Secretaries, Lord Ashly, and others say Sir W. Coventry and Sir John Duncomb, but all conclude the Duke of Albemarle: but reports do differ. 22nd. Up, and by water to White Hall to Sir G. Carteret, who tells me now for certain how the Commission for the Treasury is disposed of; viz. to Duke of Albemarle, Lord Ashly, Sir W. Coventry, Sir John Duncomb, and Sir Thomas Clifford: at whi…
Pepys attends a Council committee on the Medway, testifies against Peter Pett, describes Arlington and Coventry’s severity, then worries about his family’s buried gold and possible danger.
a Parliament or no Parliament; and says the Parliament itself cannot be thought able at present to raise money, and therefore it will be to no purpose to call one. 19th. Comes an order from Sir R. Browne, commanding me this afternoon to attend the Council-board with all my books and papers, touching the Medway. I was ready to fear some mischief to myself, though it appears most reasonable that it is to inform them…
On July 4, Pepys attends criminal trials at the Sessions House, describing arson-for-plunder cases and a guilty verdict based on testimony from two boys used against “rogue” arsonists.
on Suffolke side, otherwise we might have galled their foot. The Duke of York is gone down thither this day, while the Generall sat sleeping this afternoon at the Council-table. 4th. To the Sessions-house, where I have a mind to hear Bazill Fielding's case tried; and so got up to the Bench, my Lord Chief- Justice Keeling [Sir John Keeling, Knight, King's Serjeant 1661, Chief Justice of the King's Bench 1665.] bein…
On the 29th/continuation, Pepys reports sermon and public anxieties: Dr. Creighton condemning court adultery, neglect of ammunition, and a recent duel in Covent Garden, which he presents as a symbol of national folly.
Thus they are dismissed again to their general great distaste, I believe the greatest that ever Parliament was, to see themselves so fooled, and the nation in certain condition of ruin, while the King, they see, is only governed by his lust, and women, and rogues about him. The Speaker, they found, was kept from coming in the morning to the House on purpose till after the King was come to the House of Lords, for fear…
Pepys observes that people hold their tongues due to uncertain court power, then discusses funding by lending to the King, prisoner provisions in the treaty with the Dutch, and interactions around Bartholomew Fair.
there never was the occasion of men's holding their tongues at Court and every where else as there is at this day, for nobody knows which side will be uppermost. 30th. At White Hall I met with Sir G. Downing, who tells me of Sir W. Pen's offering to lend 500l.; and I tell him of my 300l. which he would have me to lend upon the credit of the latter part of the Act; saying, that by that means my 10 per cent. will con…
Pepys and other Navy commissioners answer Parliament on Medway and Chatham; he gives an account of office actions, criticizes Commissioner Pett’s confused defense, and worries about renewed attacks.
charged: but my heart is full of fear for him and his family. I hear that they do prosecute the business against my Lord Chief Justice Keeling with great severity. 22nd. Slept but ill all the last part of the night, for fear of this day's success in Parliament: therefore up, and all of us all the morning close, till almost two o'clock, collecting all we had to say and had done from the beginning, touching the safe…
Pepys reports the Duke of York’s smallpox condition, describes preparations around the court, and records that a second impeachment article against the Chancellor may be carried to the Lords as Commons heat rises.
Frazier tells me that he is in as good condition as a man can be in his case. They appeared last night: it seems he was let blood on Friday. 11th. Sir G. Carteret and I towards the Temple in coach together; and there he did tell me how the King do all he can in the world to overthrow my Lord Chancellor, and that notice is taken of every man about the King that is not seen to promote the ruine of the Chancellor; and…
Debates in the Lords and Commons over the reasons for proceedings against Lord Clarendon escalate into protests, with Lords claiming exclusive court authority while Commons press for conference and justice.
the House in the business of Chatham: which I am glad to hear; and the more, for that I know that he is a great creature of Sir R. Brookes's. 21st. Among other things of news I do hear, that upon the reading of the House of Commons' Reasons of the manner of their proceedings in the business of my Lord Chancellor, the Reasons were so bad, that my Lord Bristoll himself did declare that he would not stand, to what he …
Pepys notes that after the successful Parliamentary defence he goes to the King’s house to watch part of the tragedy The Discontented Colonel.
mightily overjoyed at this success. After dinner to the King's house, and there saw part of "The Discontented Colonell." [Brennoralt, or The Discontented Colonel; a tragedy, by Sir John Suckling.] 6th. Up betimes, and with Sir D. Gauden to Sir W. Coventry's chamber; where the first word he said to me was, "Good-morrow, Mr. Pepys, that must be Speaker of the Parliament-house:" and did protest I had got honour for ev…
Pepys records that the prisoned leaders of the Easter apprentice riots are condemned to die, then details his work on Exchequer certificate orders amid intense royal and ducal pressure.
5th. I hear that eight of the ringleaders in the late tumults of the prentices at Easter are condemned to die. 6th. The King and Duke of York themselves in my absence did call for some of the Commissioners of the Treasury and give them directions about the business of the certificates; which I, despairing to do any thing on a Sunday, and not thinking that they would think of it themselves, did rest satisfied with, …
Pepys explains an “odd” parliamentary case after the Commons’ vote, and records Lord Anglesy arguing the Lords may be in error on Skinner but that Commons must petition the King rather than issue binding votes.
committed to the Tower, lest he should thereby be forced to deny their order, because of this vote of the Commons, whereof he is one; which is an odde case. 12th. Lord Anglesy, in talk about the late difference between the two Houses, do tell us that he thinks the House of Lords may be in an error, at least it is possible they may, in this matter of Skinner; and did declare his judgement in the House of Lords again…
Pepys debates the Lord Keeper’s criticisms of the Navy with the Duke of York and Wren, mocks the proposed remedies as ridiculous, describes repairs and blotted artwork in Whitehall, and joins office reading under suspicion.
and there met at Sir Richard Ford's with the Duke of York's Commissioners about our prizes, with whom we shall have some trouble before we make an end with them. 28th. To White Hall; where the Duke of York did call me aside, and told me that he must speak with me in the afternoon and with Mr. Wren, for that now he hath got the paper from my Lord Keeper about the exceptions taken against the management of the Navy; …
Pepys writes about a dispute with W. Hewer over a contract involving kerseys and cottons, leading to public embarrassment, later anxiety, and an evening visit to Lord Orrery’s tragedy “Tryphon.”
it, because of facilitating his other accounts now depending; which be finds hard to get through, but yet hath some hopes, the King, he says, speaking very kindly to him. 8th. Up, and Sir R. Cholmly betimes with me, about some accounts and monies due to him: and he gone, I to the office, where sat all the morning. And here, among other things, breaks out the storm W. Hewer and I have long expected from the Survey…
Pepys secures Brouncker’s approval of his paper against the Surveyor, examines wartime contract books with Colonel Thomson, records errors threatening the Controller, then reconciles with Middleton and later attends “Catiline’s Conspiracy.”
Board, though I am not concerned; but it do vex me to the heart to have it before these people, that would be glad to find out all our weaknesses. 18th. To Lord Brouncker, and got him to read over my paper, who owns most absolute content in it, and the advantages I have in it, and the folly of the Surveyor. At noon home to dinner; and then to Brooke-house, and there spoke with Colonell Thomson, I by order carrying…
On the 14th–15th Pepys shows Coventry old Navy records, argues with the Duke of York about debt-running and political reform, reflects on court fortunes, and has his face moulded by a plasterer.
as, I think, it is too good for him ever to have writ it; and it is a serious sort of book, and not fit for every body to read. 14th (Lord's day). Up, and by coach to Sir W. Coventry: and there he tells me he takes no more care for any thing more than in the Treasury; and that that being done, be goes to cards and other delights, as plays, and in the summer-time to bowles. But here he did show me two or three old …
The editor contrasts register evidence that Pepys married Elizabeth St. Michel on December 1, 1655 with Pepys’s own belief it was October 10, then notes Sir Edward Montagu’s support and Pepys’s later career steps toward Navy office.
from an interesting letter from Balthasar St. Michel to Pepys, dated "Deal, Feb. 8, 1673-4," and printed in "Life, Journals, and Correspondence of Samuel Pepys," 1841, vol. i., pp. 146-53.] Alexander St. Michel kept up his character for fecklessness through life, and took out patents for curing smoking chimneys, purifying water, and moulding bricks. In 1667 he petitioned the king, asserting that he had discovered K…
This passage quotes House of Commons journal entries about Pepys denying an altar or crucifix, identifies the Earl of Shaftesbury and Sir John Banks as the sources, and recounts Coventry’s and Meeres’s attendance for testimony.
assertions of Sir John Banks and the Earl of Shaftesbury, which they did not stand to when examined on the subject, and the charge was not proved to be good. ["The House then proceeding upon the debate touching the Election for Castle Rising, between Mr. Pepys and Mr. Offley, did, in the first place, take into consideration what related personally to Mr. Pepys. Information being given to the House th…
On 30th–31st, Pepys handles excise and salary payments, travels by water to pay Capt. Dick Matthews, plays music and writes late, notes rumours that Monk will stand to Parliament, and later attends orders at the Star Chamber for Colonel Jones’s trial.
[Colonel John Jones, impeached, with General Ludlow and Miles Corbet, for treasonable practices in Ireland.] and were to give an account what money we had paid him; but the Committee did not sit to-day. Hence to Will's, where I sat an hour or two with Mr. Godfrey Austin, a scrivener in King Street. Here I met and afterwards bought the answer to General Monk's letter, which is a very good one, and I keep it by me. …
The Corinthians argue that Hellenic law lets them demand equitable treatment from Athens, citing Corinth’s past aid to Athens and urging Athens to counter Corinth’s enemies rather than be swayed by the uncertain war scare from Corcyra.
you will find that just as many of your dependencies will come over to us, and the principle that you establish will press less heavily on us than on yourselves. “This then is what Hellenic law entitles us to demand as a right. But we have also advice to offer and claims on your gratitude, which, since there is no danger of our injuring you, as we are not enemies, and since our friendship does not amount to very fre…
Pausanias is investigated despite limited proof, then a servant informs on a forged/altered death order, and Pausanias takes sanctuary in the Brazen House, is starved to death, and replaced by statues after Delphi’s command.
them to do this to the King), soon compromised the matter and came out again, and offered himself for trial to any who wished to institute an inquiry concerning him. Now the Spartans had no tangible proof against him—neither his enemies nor the nation—of that indubitable kind required for the punishment of a member of the royal family, and at that moment in high office; he being regent for his first cousin King Plei…
Plataean envoys Astymachus and Lacon plead for mercy before five Lacedaemonian judges, arguing they expected impartial legal process, while the case is rigged and their fate already decided.
length, and deputed two of their number to represent them: Astymachus, son of Asopolaus, and Lacon, son of Aeimnestus, proxenus of the Lacedaemonians, who came forward and spoke as follows: “Lacedaemonians, when we surrendered our city we trusted in you, and looked forward to a trial more agreeable to the forms of law than the present, to which we had no idea of being subjected; the judges also in whose hands we con…
Magna Carta restricts levies of scutage and aids without general consent, requires procedure for summoning the realm’s “common counsel,” and establishes county-based courts and limits on fines.
debt is to be paid out of the residue, reserving the service due to his feudal lords. Debts owed to persons other than Jews are to be dealt with similarly. (12) No ‘scutage’ or ‘aid’ may be levied in our kingdom without its general consent, unless it is for the ransom of our person, to make our eldest son a knight, and (once) to marry our eldest daughter. For these purposes only a reasonable ‘aid’ may be levied. ‘Ai…
Phemius the forced minstrel pleads to be spared, and Telemachus and later Ulysses allow him and Medon to live, while Ulysses orders the surviving slaughter to be finished in the cloisters.
which was lying upon the ground. Then he struck Leiodes on the back of his neck, so that his head fell rolling in the dust while he was yet speaking. The minstrel Phemius son of Terpes—he who had been forced by the suitors to sing to them—now tried to save his life. He was standing near towards the trap door,174 and held his lyre in his hand. He did not know whether to fly out of the cloister and sit down by the alt…
Penelope returns in the evening, has the women clear away the feast, and Melantho again threatens Odysseus as a spy, but Penelope orders Odysseus seated and begins questioning his identity and origins.
we may get us home to bed. But the stranger let us leave in the halls of Odysseus for a charge to Telemachus: for to his home has he come.” Thus he spake, and his word was well-pleasing to them all. Then the lord Mulius mixed for them the bowl, the henchman out of Dulichium, who was squire of Amphinomus. And he stood by all and served it to them in their turn; and they poured forth before the blessed gods, and drank…
Ctesippus throws an ox’s foot at Odysseus to mock him, but Telemachus rebukes him; Agelaus advises Penelope to remarry, Telemachus resists coercing Penelope, Theoclymenus predicts doom, and the wooers mock the strangers to provoke anger.
Odysseus lightly avoided it with a turn of his head, and smiled right grimly in his heart, and the ox’s foot smote the well-builded wall. Then Telemachus rebuked Ctesippus, saying: “Verily, Ctesippus, it has turned out happier for thy heart’s pleasure as it is! Thou didst not smite the stranger, for he himself avoided that which was cast at him, else surely would I have struck thee through the midst with the sharp s…
Du Bois narrates the early operation of the Freedmen’s Bureau under Oliver O. Howard in May 1865, listing its intended relief, labor, schooling, courts, and marriage policies, then noting early logistical and land-related obstacles.
ever be written which does not throw out in bold relief, as one of the great landmarks of political and social progress, the organization and administration of the Freedmen’s Bureau.” On May 12, 1865, Howard was appointed; and he assumed the duties of his office promptly on the 15th, and began examining the field of work. A curious mess he looked upon: little despotisms, communistic experiments, slavery, peonage, bu…
Du Bois explains the Bureau’s judicial role and why it struggled: Bureau courts favored Black litigants while leaving Southern courts to enforce white power, worsening intimidation and framing political conflict as legal injustice.
eight million dollars. Even in this system fraud was frequent; but still the work put needed capital in the hands of practical paupers, and some, at least, was well spent. The most perplexing and least successful part of the Bureau’s work lay in the exercise of its judicial functions. The regular Bureau court consisted of one representative of the employer, one of the Negro, and one of the Bureau. If the Bureau coul…
Du Bois closes the Washington critique by calling for peaceful, civilized opposition to injustice while quoting the Declaration’s principle of equality, then begins a personal narrative about teaching in Tennessee.
by diplomacy and suaveness, by “policy” alone. If worse come to worst, can the moral fibre of this country survive the slow throttling and murder of nine millions of men? The black men of America have a duty to perform, a duty stern and delicate,—a forward movement to oppose a part of the work of their greatest leader. So far as Mr. Washington preaches Thrift, Patience, and Industrial Training for the masses, we mus…
Du Bois links Black political status to increasing Black crime, arguing that emancipation and the South’s police system designed for controlling slaves created unequal justice, harsh punishments, and chain-gang schools of crime.
consideration; and, finally, the accused law-breaker is tried, not by his peers, but too often by men who would rather punish ten innocent Negroes than let one guilty one escape. I should be the last one to deny the patent weaknesses and shortcomings of the Negro people; I should be the last to withhold sympathy from the white South in its efforts to solve its intricate social problems. I freely acknowledged that it…
He says communities should prevent youth from crime through reform, but Southern conditions lack adequate jails or reformatories and use courts to reenslave Blacks by color, so court outcomes become viewed as martyrdom.
its roots still clinging in the mould. The appearance, therefore, of the Negro criminal was a phenomenon to be awaited; and while it causes anxiety, it should not occasion surprise. Here again the hope for the future depended peculiarly on careful and delicate dealing with these criminals. Their offences at first were those of laziness, carelessness, and impulse, rather than of malignity or ungoverned viciousness. S…
After Judas identifies Jesus and the arrest begins, Jesus defends himself, predicts fulfilled scripture, is taken to Caiaphas for an illegal trial, and Peter denies Jesus three times before the cock crows.
to Iesus, and said: hail master. And kissed him. And Iesus said unto him: friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they and laid hands on Iesus and took him. And behold, one of them which were with Iesus, stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest, and smote off his ear. Then said Iesus unto him: put up thy sword into his sheath. For all they that lay hands on the sword, sha…
Jewish leaders plot Jesus’s death, Judas returns the silver, and the leaders buy a potter’s field for “strangers,” then Jesus is judged by Pontius Pilate and condemned to be crucified.
the chief priests and seniors of the people held a counsel against Iesu, to put him to death, and brought him bound and delivered him unto Pontius Pilate the deputy. Then when Iudas which betrayed him, saw that he was condemned, he repented himself, and brought again the xxx. plates of silver to the chief priests and seniors saying: I have sinned betraying the innocent blood. And they said: what is that to us? see t…
Peter denies Jesus three times during questioning at the high priest’s house, then Jesus faces the Sanhedrin, is brought to Pilate and Herod, and legal back-and-forth leads to sentencing for crucifixion.
is even your very hour, and the power of darkness. Then took they him, and led him, and brought him to the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. When they had kindled a fire in the midst of the palace, and were set down together, Peter also sat down among them. And one of the wenches, as he sat, beheld him by the light and set good eyesight on him, and said: This same was also with him. Then he denied hi…
Jesus is questioned and struck after being sent from Annas to Caiaphas, while Simon Peter denies knowing him by a fire; at dawn Jesus is taken to Pilate’s judgment for the Pascha.
Caiphas, which was the high priest that same year. Caiphas was he that gave counsel to the jewes that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. Simon Peter followed Iesus, and another disciple, that disciple was known of the high priest, and went in with Iesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple which was known unto the high priest…
At Caesarea, the Jewish leaders and orator Tertullus accuse Paul before Governor Felix, while Paul responds that the claims are unsupported and refer to his time in Jerusalem.
men, which have bound themselves with a vow, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now are they ready, and look for thy promise. The upper captain let the young man depart and charged him: See thou tell no man that thou hast told me this. And he called unto him two under captains, saying: make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Cesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten. And spearmen two…
Paul defends himself before Governor Felix, leading to Festus replacing him; Felix keeps Paul in custody but defers, and Paul is later brought before Festus by Jewish accusers.
in the temple disputing with any man, either raising up the people, neither in the synagogues nor in the city. Neither can they prove the things whereof they accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after that way (which they call heresy) so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets, and have hope towards God, that the same resurrection from death (which…
Paul appeals to Caesar before Festus; Festus explains Roman procedure to King Agrippa, and Paul is examined publicly in Caesarea by Agrippa and Bernice.
as long as he answered for himself, that he had neither against the law of the jewes, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cesar offended any thing at all. Festus willing to do the jewes a pleasure, answered Paul, and said: Wilt thou go to Ierusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Then said Paul: I stand at Cesar's judgement seat, where I ought to be judged. To the jewes have I no harm done, a…
After Paul’s defense, Agrippa and Festus agree he seems innocent but notes that only his appeal to Caesar prevented release; the narrative shifts to Paul’s voyage.
say should come, that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from death, and should shew light unto the people, and to the gentiles. As he thus answered for himself: Festus said with a loud voice: Paul, thou art besides thyself. Much learning hath made thee mad. And Paul said: I am not mad most dear Festus: but speak the words of truth and soberness. The king knoweth of these things, …
After the assembly is dismissed, the senate and people argue Posthumius Pyrgensis’s disruption of voting; he is tried for capital crimes and ultimately condemned by absence, with promoters indicted and many exiled.
said, "Do you not see that you are degraded to the common rank, and that an insurrection will be the result, unless you speedily dismiss the assembly of the commons." 4. The commons being dismissed, the senate was assembled, when the consuls proposed the consideration of the interruption experienced by the assembly of the commons, in consequence of the violence and audacity of the farmers of the revenue. They said, …
The prosecution of Cneius Fulvius continues: he blames his soldiers and claims shared natural causes of courage, but witnesses allege his own flight began the panic, leading toward a capital case.
manner into banishment, and suffer an ignominious service. So unequally," he said, "was liberty shared at Rome by the rich and the poor, by the ennobled and the common people." 3. The accused shifted the blame from himself to his soldiers; he said, "that in consequence of their having in the most turbulent manner demanded battle, they were led into the field, not on the day they desired, for it was then evening, but…
Brachyllas is assassinated by men from Theban factions; Zeuxippus and others are suspected, examined under torture, and Zeuxippus flees to Athens while Pisistratus is executed.
flight of his slave, withdrew to Athens, where he thought he might live in exile with greater safety. Pisistratus, after being examined several times by torture, was put to death. 29. This murder exasperated the Thebans, and all the Boeotians, to the most rancorous animosity against the Romans, for they considered that Zeuxippus, one of the first men of the nation, had not been party to such a crime without the inst…
Douglass narrates Gore’s execution of the enslaved man Demby after he refuses to come out of a creek, then argues Gore’s crime goes uninvestigated while killings of Black people in Talbot County are treated as normal.
matter how disagreeable; always at his post, never inconsistent. He never promised but to fulfil. He was, in a word, a man of the most inflexible firmness and stone-like coolness. His savage barbarity was equalled only by the consummate coolness with which he committed the grossest and most savage deeds upon the slaves under his charge. Mr. Gore once undertook to whip one of Colonel Lloyd’s slaves, by the name of De…
Douglass recounts a local murder by Mrs. Giles Hicks of her baby-sitter’s teenage cousin, then adds another killing: an enslaved older man shot by Mr. Beal Bondly for trespassing while fishing for oysters.
was the only benefactor of his country in the company, and that when others would do as much as he had done, we should be relieved of “the d——d niggers.” The wife of Mr. Giles Hicks, living but a short distance from where I used to live, murdered my wife’s cousin, a young girl between fifteen and sixteen years of age, mangling her person in the most horrible manner, breaking her nose and breastbone with a stick, so …
Master Hugh treats Frederick’s injuries and seeks legal redress, but Esquire Watson says white testimony is required; Frederick is kept from returning and trained to calk under Walter Price.
to strike a white man is death by Lynch law,—and that was the law in Mr. Gardner’s ship-yard; nor is there much of any other out of Mr. Gardner’s ship-yard. I went directly home, and told the story of my wrongs to Master Hugh; and I am happy to say of him, irreligious as he was, his conduct was heavenly, compared with that of his brother Thomas under similar circumstances. He listened attentively to my narration of …
Hamilton concludes that a viable federal government must act directly on citizens and enforce its own laws through courts and ordinary magistrates, distinguishing noncompliance from unconstitutional active resistance by states.
instances attempts to coerce the refractory and disobedient have been the signals of bloody wars, in which one half of the confederacy has displayed its banners against the other half. The result of these observations to an intelligent mind must be clearly this, that if it be possible at any rate to construct a federal government capable of regulating the common concerns and preserving the general tranquillity, it m…
Hamilton maintains that even if federal officials wished to absorb state powers, the people would restrain them because state governments have stronger influence, especially through daily administration of justice.
as it would be nugatory; and the possession of them, for that reason, would contribute nothing to the dignity, to the importance, or to the splendor of the national government. But let it be admitted, for argument’s sake, that mere wantonness and lust of domination would be sufficient to beget that disposition; still it may be safely affirmed, that the sense of the constituent body of the national representatives, o…
Hamilton argues that the Articles’ main defect is lack of a national judiciary, so treaties become enforceable only through a Supreme Tribunal to ensure uniform legal interpretation.
nation, and was a principal cause that the most limited monarch in Europe, in a single day, without tumult, violence, or opposition, became one of the most absolute and uncontrolled. A circumstance which crowns the defects of the Confederation remains yet to be mentioned, the want of a judiciary power. Laws are a dead letter without courts to expound and define their true meaning and operation. The treaties of the U…